Drepanosiphum platanoidis
This record describes Drepanosiphum platanoidis (species). Recorded family: Aphididae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
In this species all adult forms are winged, and range in size from 3.2 to 4.3 mm long. They have red eyes, a brown thorax, and a pale green abdomen. The upper surface of the abdomen has up to 5 or 6 variably developed dark cross-bars. Early in the year these cross bars may be reduced or absent altogether. The two tubes (siphunculi) at the rear end are pale, long and thick. Nymphs lack wings and are all green. This aphid spends all year on Sycamore but has also been recorded from many other Acer spp., but these are apparently only visited on a casual basis. This species overwinters as eggs placed in bark crevices and behind buds. The eggs hatch in early spring, and there is a migration in late spring/early summer. Common and widespread in Britain though poorly recorded. https://influentialpoints.com/Gallery/Drepanosiphum_platanoidis_common_sycamore_aphids.htm
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
This aphid spends all year on Sycamore but has also been recorded from many other Acer spp., but these are apparently only visited on a casual basis.
Seasonal Activity
Late spring to late autumn
Diet and Behavior
Life History
This species overwinters as eggs placed in bark crevices and behind buds. The eggs hatch in early spring, and there is a migration in late spring/early summer.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common and widespread in Britain though poorly recorded.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Drepanosiphum platanoidis. 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 Drepanosiphum platanoidis (10)
Frequently Asked Questions About Drepanosiphum platanoidis
What is Drepanosiphum platanoidis?
Drepanosiphum platanoidis is a species in the family Aphididae, within the order Hemiptera.
Where is Drepanosiphum platanoidis found?
Habitat: This aphid spends all year on Sycamore but has also been recorded from many other Acer spp., but these are apparently only visited on a casual basis.
When is Drepanosiphum platanoidis active?
Drepanosiphum platanoidis: seasonal activity - Late spring to late autumn.
What is the life cycle of a Drepanosiphum platanoidis?
This species overwinters as eggs placed in bark crevices and behind buds. The eggs hatch in early spring, and there is a migration in late spring/early summer.