12 Facts About Aphids

Aphids are small sap-sucking insects and members of the superfamily Aphidoidea.

Aphids are among the most destructive insect pests on cultivated plants in temperate regions.

Aphids are distributed worldwide, but are most common in temperate zones.

Aphids have been spread by human transportation of infested plant materials, making some species nearly cosmopolitan in their distribution.

Aphids have antennae with two short, broad basal segments and up to four slender terminal segments.

Aphids have a tail-like protrusion called a cauda above their rectal apertures.

Aphids reproducing asexually by parthenogenesis can have genetically identical winged and non-winged female progeny.

Aphids that are attacked by ladybugs, lacewings, parasitoid wasps, or other predators can change the dynamics of their progeny production.

Aphids attended by ants tend to increase the production of honeydew in smaller drops with a greater concentration of amino acids.

Aphids can be easily killed by unfavourable weather, such as late spring freezes.

Aphids frequently transmit plant viruses to their hosts, such as to potatoes, cereals, sugarbeets, and citrus plants.

Aphids are familiar to farmers and gardeners, mainly as pests.