Insect keys » Aphid key

Aphis species

Three species of Aphis have been recorded on lettuce in Australia. The winged adults are difficult to tell apart and should be referred to an expert.

Apterae are a little easier:

1.	Dorsum of abdomen with large dark patch	Cowpea aphid, Aphis craccivora Koch
2.	Dorsum of abdomen pale, Cauda and siphunculi both dark	Spiraea aphid, Aphis spiraecola Patch
3.	Dorsum of abdomen pale, Cauda pale; Siphunculi dark	Melon aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover

Hosts

All three Australian species of Aphis can be found on a wide variety of hosts although cowpea aphid has a preference for Fabaceae.

Distribution

Widespread in most areas of the world.

Further information

Further information on Aphis gossypii can be found on the PaDIL website.

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