Small Willow Aphid
Aphis farinosa
This record describes Aphis farinosa (species). Recorded family: Aphididae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Aphis farinosa apterae are quite small and are green mottled with yellow-orange. The siphunculi are pale with a slightly dusky tip and the cauda is distinctly darker. The body length of Aphis farinosa apterae is 1.6 to 2.5 mm. Their oviparae are dull green and the young nymphs and the apterous males are reddish orange. The alates are dark green, and their siphunculi are more or less dusky. On Willows (Salix spp.) especially Goat Willow and Grey Willow. Spring and summer. They have a sexual stage in the life cycle with oviparae and males appearing from July onwards, although occasionally populations of viviparae persist until August or September. Aphis farinosa do not host alternate and are attended by ants. https://influentialpoints.com/Gallery/Aphis_farinosa_small_willow_aphid.htm No additional images available for this species.
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
- Aphidini
- Genus
- Aphis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
On Willows (Salix spp.) especially Goat Willow and Grey Willow.
Seasonal Activity
Spring and summer. They have a sexual stage in the life cycle with oviparae and males appearing from July onwards, although occasionally populations of viviparae persist until August or September.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Aphis farinosa do not host alternate and are attended by ants.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Status in Britain not known.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Aphis farinosa. 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 Small Willow Aphid (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Willow Aphid
What is Small Willow Aphid?
Small Willow Aphid (Aphis farinosa) is a species in the family Aphididae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Small Willow Aphid?
of Aphis farinosa apterae is 1.6 to 2.5 mm. Their oviparae are dull green and the young nymphs and the apterous males are reddish orange. The alates are dark green, and their siphunculi are more or less dusky.
Where is Small Willow Aphid found?
Habitat: On Willows (Salix spp.) especially Goat Willow and Grey Willow.
When is Small Willow Aphid active?
Small Willow Aphid: seasonal activity - Spring and summer. They have a sexual stage in the life cycle with oviparae and males appearing from July onwards, although occasionally populations of viviparae persist until August or September..
What is the life cycle of a Small Willow Aphid?
Aphis farinosa do not host alternate and are attended by ants.