Water Lily Aphid
Rhopalosiphum nymphaeae
This record describes Rhopalosiphum nymphaeae (species). Recorded family: Aphididae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Apterae of Rhopalosiphum nymphaeae are reddish-brown on the primary host ( Prunus species – Plum and Blackthorn), and more or less shiny reddish-brown to dark olive on the secondary host (Water-lily). R. nymphaeae alatae are shining brown, sometimes with white dorsal wax markings. The R. nymphaeae aptera body length is 1.6 to 2.6 mm. For further information follow the ‘Further info:’ link below. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features, then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed. In spring the Water Lily Aphid feeds on various Prunus species (such as Prunus spinosa ) where it feeds on leaf petioles and fruit stalks curling the leaves. In early summer Rhopalosiphum nymphaeae alatae migrate to the secondary hosts comprising a large variety of water plants, including Nymphaea (Water-lilies), Potamogeton , and Sparganium . In Britain it is found from the south of England to the north of Scotland but is not well recorded. https://influentialpoints.com/Gallery/Rhopalosiphum_nymphaeae_water_lily_aphid.htm
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
- Rhopalosiphum
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
In spring the Water Lily Aphid feeds on various
Seasonal Activity
Spring to autumn.
Additional species information
Recorded status
In Britain it is found from the south of England to the north of Scotland but is not well recorded.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Rhopalosiphum nymphaeae. 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 Water Lily Aphid (7)
Frequently Asked Questions About Water Lily Aphid
What is Water Lily Aphid?
Water Lily Aphid (Rhopalosiphum nymphaeae) is a species in the family Aphididae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Water Lily Aphid?
is 1.6 to 2.6 mm. For further information follow the ‘Further info:’ link below.
Where is Water Lily Aphid found?
Habitat: In spring the Water Lily Aphid feeds on various
When is Water Lily Aphid active?
Water Lily Aphid: seasonal activity - Spring to autumn..