Page 8 - AG 7-2011 Revised 2016

GREEN PEACH APHID GREEN PEACH
APHID ON HOPS

Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR

1.Antenna-elongated, threadlike 6.Thorax-yes Aphid
2.Eyes- compound 7.Petiole- none
3.Head- facing forward with stylet mouthparts 8.Abdomen- pear shaped 1
4.Legs- 6 9.Color- green, brown, black
5.Wings- only on adults in the spring 10.Other- cornicles on posterior end

Life Cycle 2

Aphids are unique in their ability to reproduce—the life cycle is extremely complex. Almost all aphids are 10
females and can reproduce without actually mating with a male. In some cases aphids can go several 8
generations (some sources say as many as ten) without mating. The male contribution occurred sometime
in the past, and is carried on for many generations. The female will sometimes lay eggs, but can also give Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR
birth to live offspring. While several generations may produce only females, an occasional generation of both
males and bisexual females will occur. They can even change their bodies to accommodate the egg laying
process. In warmer climates, aphids can develop from newborn to adult in less than 2 weeks, and are very
prolific pests. When it gets cold the young that are born will have an ovipositor, which allows them to lay eggs
for over-wintering. Large populations of aphids can be established in a relatively short period of time.

APHIDS

Aphids are small, pear-shaped, soft-bodied insects with long, slender mouth parts used for
sucking the juices out of the host plant. Almost every vegetable plant has one or more aphid
species that may occasionally feed on it, and there are many types of aphids. Most plants can
tolerate a moderate infestation, but when the infestation becomes substantial, so is the damage.
Some of the major aphid pests in Southern California are the Rose Aphid, Deodar Aphid, Melon
Aphid, and the Green Peach Aphid.

One of the signs of aphid presence is curled, distorted leaves caused by the juices being
sucked out. Also, aphids secrete a sticky substance called “honeydew,” which often turns
black with the growth of a sooty mold fungus. Most aphids are wingless, but when colonies get
too big or food supplies diminish, winged forms are produced which fly off and establish new
colonies.

Ants farm aphids the way we farm cattle, i.e. protecting them from their natural enemies. They
may move them from plant to plant so they have a more plentiful food supply and even take
them to shelter during storms. Aphids produce “honeydew”, a sugary secretion, which is the
favorite food for ants. The presence of aphids actually draws ants to your property!

Give your plants a nice bath periodically using the spray wand from your watering hose. Clean
the dust, aphids and other things off your plants. This helps photosynthesis. Aphids, after taking
a meal off your plant, do not have the strength to crawl back up and will die on the ground.

Size & Identifying Characteristics:
Vary in size, up to about 1/8”
Various colors, especially green & brown
Suck plant juices of many ornamentals
Cause plant leaves to yellow, curl and/or drop early
Produce honeydew, the favorite food source of ants
Found on underside of leaves and on stems, often in large numbers

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