Aphids - Field Guide to Diseases and Insect Pests of Idaho and Montana Forests

Aphids

Family: Aphididae

From: Field Guide to Diseases and Insect Pests of Idaho and Montana Forests, USDA Forest Service Northern Region, Publication Number R1-89-54

Hosts. – Most plant species may be hosts to aphids.

Distribution. – Found throughout Idaho and Montana.

Damage. – Aphids have piercing mouth parts through which they feed on sap from nearly all parts of host plants--foliage, buds, flowers, fruits, twigs, and roots. Damage on needles may result in necrotic spots similar to some diseases or feeding by other insects. They excrete a sticky substance known as "honeydew" which is fed upon by ants and other insects. It may also provide a growth mediumi for sooty mold.

Identification. – Aphids are small, soft-bodied, usually gregarious insects (fig. 85). Color ranges from almost colorless to green, yellow, or black. Most of those seen are wingless; however, winged adults may be observed at various times during the summer. Presence of sticky exudate and a large number of ants probably indicate aphids are also present.
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Figure 85 - Aphids are small, soft-bodied
insects. Most are wingless; however, males
have wings during parts of the summer.

Similar damages. – When severe, damage may resemble that caused by needle midges, other sucking insects, or needle diseases.

Link to Images in Forestry Images

References.

Furniss, R. L., and V. M. Carolin. 1977. Western For. Insects. USDA Forest Serv., Misc. pub. 1339, 654 p., illus.

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