Page 141 - Florida Pest Control Examinations

GREEN PEACH APHID OLEANDER APHID

Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR
APHID MELON OR COTTON
APHID

EYE

Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR
1.Antenna-elongated, threadlike 6.Thorax-yes
2.Eyes- compound 7.Petiole- none APHID
3.Head- facing forward with stylet mouthparts 8.Abdomen- pear shaped 1 4
4.Legs- 6 9.Color- green, brown, black
5.Wings- only on adults in the spring 10.Other- cornicles on posterior end
Life Cycle
Aphids are unique in their ability to reproduce—the life cycle is extremely complex. Almost all aphids are 2
females and can reproduce without actually mating with a male. In some cases aphids can go several
generations (some sources say as many as ten) without mating. The male contribution occurred sometime 10
in the past, and is carried on for many generations. The female will sometimes lay eggs, but can also give
birth to live offspring. While several generations may produce only females, an occasional generation of 8
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.
Photo Courtesy of UNIVAR
APHID
Actual size 1/8”
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 Florida are the Green Peach Aphid,
Melon Aphid, Cotton Aphid, Oleander Aphid, and the Brown Citrus Aphid. Despite the specific names, they will
attack other plants.
One of the signs of aphid presence is curled, distorted leaves, usually in the new growth, 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 will farm aphids by 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 many ants. The presence of aphids will actually
draw 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 also 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”
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

141