Mugwort Aphid
Macrosiphoniella artemisiae
This record describes Macrosiphoniella artemisiae (species). Recorded family: Aphididae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Macrosiphoniella artemisiae apterae are greyish-green and wax powdered. The antennae and legs are mostly black, except for the base of antennal segment III and the basal part of the front femur which are brown. The siphunculi and cauda are entirely black. The body length of Macrosiphoniella artemisiae apterae is 2.3 to 3.6 mm. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed. Please state the host plant when recording. Mugwort flowers in July to September in Europe, so populations of Macrosiphoniella artemisiae usually peak around this time. It is commonly found on the flower heads with other species of aphids in mixed species populations. The Mugwort Aphid lives on the upper parts of Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) especially amongst the flowers. Sexual forms occur in the autumn, and the species overwinters as eggs. True status in Britain is difficult to determine due to lack of records. https://influentialpoints.com/Gallery/Macrosiphoniella_artemisiae_mugwort_aphid.htm
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Where Mugwort occurs.
Seasonal Activity
Mugwort flowers in July to September in Europe, so populations of Macrosiphoniella artemisiae usually peak around this time. It is commonly found on the flower heads with other species of aphids in mixed species populations.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The Mugwort Aphid lives on the upper parts of Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) especially amongst the flowers. Sexual forms occur in the autumn, and the species overwinters as eggs.
Additional species information
Recorded status
True status in Britain is difficult to determine due to lack of records.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Macrosiphoniella artemisiae. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Hemiptera (true bugs) includes over 80,000 described species across cicadas, aphids, leafhoppers, shield bugs, and bed bugs. Aphids alone cost global agriculture an estimated $2.5 billion annually in crop losses.
Ecological role of the group
Many Hemiptera are essential food sources for birds and predatory insects. Cicadas provide massive nutrient pulses during emergence events - a single Brood X emergence can involve trillions of individuals across 15 states.
Economic and practical significance of the group
The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) caused $37 million in apple crop losses in a single year in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region. Bed bug infestations in the U.S. increased by 500% between 2001-2010, costing the hotel industry hundreds of millions annually.
Recorded sources for this group: USDA, EPA, University research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Mugwort Aphid (7)
Frequently Asked Questions About Mugwort Aphid
What is Mugwort Aphid?
Mugwort Aphid (Macrosiphoniella artemisiae) is a species in the family Aphididae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Mugwort Aphid?
of Macrosiphoniella artemisiae apterae is 2.3 to 3.6 mm.
Where is Mugwort Aphid found?
Habitat: Where Mugwort occurs.
When is Mugwort Aphid active?
Mugwort Aphid: seasonal activity - Mugwort flowers in July to September in Europe, so populations of Macrosiphoniella artemisiae usually peak around this time. It is commonly found on the flower heads with other species of aphids in mixed species populations..
What is the life cycle of a Mugwort Aphid?
The Mugwort Aphid lives on the upper parts of Mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) especially amongst the flowers. Sexual forms occur in the autumn, and the species overwinters as eggs.