Brown Ambrosia Aphid
Uroleucon ambrosiae
This record describes Uroleucon ambrosiae (species). Recorded family: Aphididae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Adults are medium to large in size, broadly spindle shaped, red-brown to dark brown or dull red, and have black cornicles.
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
- Uroleucon
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: ". . . Most Uroleucon species are monophagous on particular host plants from the Asteraceae, and U. ambrosiae appears to specialize on the giant ragweed, Ambrosia trifida , in eastern North America. In the American Southwest, however, U. ambrosiae uses a variety of asteraceous taxa as hosts. " Ecological society Journal
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Uroleucon ambrosiae. 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 Brown Ambrosia Aphid (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jason D. Roberts; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , ceiseman
Frequently Asked Questions About Brown Ambrosia Aphid
What is Brown Ambrosia Aphid?
Brown Ambrosia Aphid (Uroleucon ambrosiae) is a species in the family Aphididae, within the order Hemiptera.
How do you identify Brown Ambrosia Aphid?
Adults are medium to large in size, broadly spindle shaped, red-brown to dark brown or dull red, and have black cornicles.
What does Brown Ambrosia Aphid eat?
The diet of the Brown Ambrosia Aphid includes . . . Most Uroleucon species are monophagous on particular host plants from the Asteraceae, and U. ambrosiae appears to specialize on the giant ragweed, Ambrosia trifida , in eastern North America. In the American Southwest, however, U. ambrosiae uses a variety of asteraceous taxa as hosts. Ecological society Journal.