Potato Aphid
Macrosiphum euphorbiae
This record describes Macrosiphum euphorbiae (species). Recorded family: Aphididae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
The adult wingless form is large 1.7 to 3.6mm and an elongated pear shape. It ranges from light green, yellowish green to pinkish red. It often has a darker stripe down the centre of its back, especially in immature nymphs. This species has noticeably long legs and two long tubes (siphunculi) at the rear end. The tail (cauda) is also long and finger shaped. The winged form has a much less distinct central stripe. The antennae and siphunculi are darker than in the wingless forms. May be found on a wide variety of plants as it is highly polyphagous in the summer, feeding on over 200 plant species in more than 20 plant families. May to September is the peak time although it may overwinter as an adult. The winged forms are produced in May and June. Thought to be fairly frequent and widespread in Britain. https://influentialpoints.com/Gallery/Macrosiphum_euphorbiae_Potato_aphid.htm
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Terms from the source record, grouped for readability. Broad terms such as size or location are not measurements or a confirmed range.
Wikipedia reference for Macrosiphum euphorbiae: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macrosiphum_euphorbiae.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Sternorrhyncha
- Superfamily
- Aphidoidea
- Family
- Aphididae (Aphids)
- Subfamily
- Aphidinae
- Tribe
- Macrosiphini
- Genus
- Macrosiphum
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
May be found on a wide variety of plants as it is highly polyphagous in the summer, feeding on over 200 plant species in more than 20 plant families.
Seasonal Activity
May to September is the peak time although it may overwinter as an adult.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The winged forms are produced in May and June.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Thought to be fairly frequent and widespread in Britain.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Macrosiphum euphorbiae. 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 Potato Aphid (7)
Frequently Asked Questions About Potato Aphid
What is Potato Aphid?
Potato Aphid (Macrosiphum euphorbiae) is a species in the family Aphididae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Potato Aphid?
2mm to 4mm (0.07" to 0.15")
Where is Potato Aphid found?
Habitat: May be found on a wide variety of plants as it is highly polyphagous in the summer, feeding on over 200 plant species in more than 20 plant families.
When is Potato Aphid active?
Potato Aphid: seasonal activity - May to September is the peak time although it may overwinter as an adult..
What is the life cycle of a Potato Aphid?
The winged forms are produced in May and June.