|
Aphids (superfamily Aphidoidea) are small plant-sucking insects. There are several families and numerous genera. They are generally soft-bodied with long thin legs; adults have lacy transparent wings. Most of the aphids one sees in a plant infestation are juveniles.
Many aphids are serious pests in agriculture and forestry, and an annoyance for gardeners. Important natural predators include ladybirds, hoverfly larvae and lacewings.
Some species of ants "farm" aphids, supplying them with leaves to eat, and eating the honeydew that the aphids secrete. Many aphids are host to an endosymbiont bacteria, Buchnera, which synthesizes the essential amino acids that are absent in the phloem that the aphids eat.
Genera include Adelges, Aphis, Brevicoryne, Daktulosphaira (Vine Phylloxera), Elatobium, Eriosoma, Macrosiphum, Marchalina, Metopolophium, Myzus, Pemphigus, Phylloxera, Rhopalosiphum, Tetraneura and many more.
 swarm of aphids on broccoli plant
Ant_cultivating_aphids.jpg
Ant cultivating aphids
External link
|
