Entomology
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects belonging to the superfamily Aphidoidea. They range in size from 1-4mm and can be various colors including green, black, brown, pink, and yellow. Their most distinctive features include:
- Pear-shaped bodies
- Long antennae
- Tube-like structures called cornicles
- Piercing-sucking mouthparts
Reproduction Cycle
Aphids have a complex life cycle that can include both sexual and asexual reproduction. They can quicklty take over a plant with in a few weeks with an exponentail growth rate
- Eggs: Layed in late fall to over-winter hatching in April and May
- Nymphs: Eggs that hatch will be born as asexual females that are pregnant are ready to give live birth rather then lay a new egg.
- Adult: with in 2 weeks a Nynmph will become an adult and begin giving live birth. Giving birth roughly 4 to 6 times a day they and produce over 100 offspring.
- Winged adults: Winged adults will form when a plant has been eaten or when it is mating season in late fall
- If conditions are ideal they reproduce all year without the nee to lay eggss
Social Aspects
Having a short life cycle with a high reproduction rate they are quick to move from plant to plant.
- Little genetic diversity often producing only females until a need for males arises.
- Aphids are treated as livestock by ants and are protected by the ants
- Small slow moving insect they are prey to many insects.
Treatment Options
- Spray plants with strong water stream
- Introduce natural predators (ladybugs, lacewings)
- Apply insecticidal soap
- Use neem oil
- Prune heavily infested areas
