Shallot Aphid
Myzus ascalonicus
This record describes Myzus ascalonicus (species). Recorded family: Aphididae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
The adult wingless form is 1.1 to 2.2 mm long and shiny pale green to dirty yellow. Its appendages are all pale except for the ends of the antennae and the 'ankles/feet' which are all quite black. The two tubes (siphunculi) at the rear end are pale, short to medium in length with the apical part slightly swollen. The tail (cauda) is roughly triangular in shape and short. Winged forms are produced in spring, and migrate from late April through to mid June. It has been recorded on over 200 plant species from 20 plant families. Overwintering takes place in glasshouses and other protected places such as potato stores, on onions, shallots, swede or beet. It can also pass the winter in the open on plants such as chickweed and cranes-bill under hedges or similar shady spots. This species is not known to produce overwintering eggs at all, but the adult overwinters (see above) and seems well able to tolerate the cold. https://influentialpoints.com/Gallery/Myzus_ascalonicus_Shallot_aphid.htm
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It has been recorded on over 200 plant species from 20 plant families. Overwintering takes place in glasshouses and other protected places such as potato stores, on onions, shallots, swede or beet. It can also pass the winter in the open on plants such as chickweed and cranes-bill under hedges or similar shady spots.
Seasonal Activity
All year round
Diet and Behavior
Life History
This species is not known to produce overwintering eggs at all, but the adult overwinters (see above) and seems well able to tolerate the cold.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common and widespread in Britain.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Myzus ascalonicus. 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 Shallot Aphid (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Shallot Aphid
What is Shallot Aphid?
Shallot Aphid (Myzus ascalonicus) is a species in the family Aphididae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Shallot Aphid?
with the apical part slightly swollen. The tail (cauda) is roughly triangular in shape and short. Winged forms are produced in spring, and migrate from late April through to mid June.
Where is Shallot Aphid found?
Habitat: It has been recorded on over 200 plant species from 20 plant families. Overwintering takes place in glasshouses and other protected places such as potato stores, on onions, shallots, swede or beet. It can also pass the winter in the open on plants such as chickweed and cranes-bill under hedges or similar shady spots.
When is Shallot Aphid active?
Shallot Aphid: seasonal activity - All year round.
What is the life cycle of a Shallot Aphid?
This species is not known to produce overwintering eggs at all, but the adult overwinters (see above) and seems well able to tolerate the cold.