Vetch Aphid
Megoura viciae
This record describes Megoura viciae (species). Recorded family: Aphididae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Aphids can rarely be described as handsome creatures, but Megoura viciae is perhaps as close as it gets! A large shiny green globular bodied aphid with black head, legs and antennae. It also has startling red eyes. The leaves at the tip of the shoot become crumpled and may be true galls. two other aphids cause similar shoot damage - Aphis craccae and Aphis fabae . The aphids are not similar, however. Where vetches or pea plants are present. Most often noticed in summer clustering on the stems of the host plants. The vetch aphid does not host alternate, but spends it entire life cycle on leguminous plants, especially vetch, peas and broad beans. Eggs are laid at the base of vetch or pea plants and hatch in spring. Populations build up and after three generations winged forms are produced which disperse to other plants. Megoura viciae generally move to the seed pods in autumn. Poorly recorded in Britain but probably fairly frequent and widespread. https://influentialpoints.com/Gallery/Megoura_viciae_Vetch_aphid.htm
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Where vetches or pea plants are present.
Seasonal Activity
Most often noticed in summer clustering on the stems of the host plants.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
The vetch aphid does not host alternate, but spends it entire life cycle on leguminous plants, especially vetch, peas and broad beans. Eggs are laid at the base of vetch or pea plants and hatch in spring. Populations build up and after three generations winged forms are produced which disperse to other plants. Megoura viciae generally move to the seed pods in autumn.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Poorly recorded in Britain but probably fairly frequent and widespread.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Megoura viciae. 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 Vetch Aphid (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Vetch Aphid
What is Vetch Aphid?
Vetch Aphid (Megoura viciae) is a species in the family Aphididae, within the order Hemiptera.
Where is Vetch Aphid found?
Habitat: Where vetches or pea plants are present.
When is Vetch Aphid active?
Vetch Aphid: seasonal activity - Most often noticed in summer clustering on the stems of the host plants..
What is the life cycle of a Vetch Aphid?
The vetch aphid does not host alternate, but spends it entire life cycle on leguminous plants, especially vetch, peas and broad beans. Eggs are laid at the base of vetch or pea plants and hatch in spring. Populations build up and after three generations winged forms are produced which disperse to other plants. Megoura viciae generally move to the seed pods in autumn.