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Aphid

Aphididae

The Aphid is a tiny bug that loves to munch on plant leaves. They often come in groups and can be found on many plants!

Habitat: Gardens, fields, and farms

Appearance

The Aphid is a tiny, soft-bodied insect, typically pear-shaped, and can be green, black, brown, yellow, or red. They have a small head with antennae and two unique 'tailpipes' (cornicles) at their rear. Some aphids are wingless, while others develop clear, membranous wings to fly.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHemipteraFamilyAphididae
Aphid
wildlife trait badgesocial trait badgeherbivorous trait badgenocturnal trait badge
Aphid

Category

Insect

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Aphids breathe through tiny holes on their bodies called spiracles, not lungs!

Aphids can give birth to live babies, which are sometimes already pregnant themselves!

Some ants 'farm' aphids, protecting them in exchange for their sweet honeydew!

Some species can change their body color to camouflage perfectly with the plants they live on!

Special abilities

Ability

Asexual Superpower

Aphid can reproduce without a mate (parthenogenesis), giving birth to live clones incredibly fast.

Ability

Sweet Treat Maker

Aphid has tiny tubes called cornicles that secrete sugary honeydew, attracting ants for protection.

Ability

Flight of Escape

Aphids can grow wings to fly away when their plant is overcrowded or food becomes scarce.

Ability

Chemical Alarms

Aphid can release an alarm pheromone to warn other aphids of danger when attacked by a predator.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
3-12 mm
Size
1-10 mm
Lifespan
10-30 days
Flight Speed
1 km/h
Leg Count
6
Colony Size
1000

Diet & Feeding

Aphids are tiny plant eaters that drink sugary sap from plants.

Primary Foods

  • Plant sap
  • Phloem
  • Rose sap
  • Bean plant sap
  • Fruit tree sap
  • Vegetable plant sap

Foraging Method

  • Grazing

Ecological connections

eats

Harlequin Ladybug

Harmonia axyridis

Ladybugs are major predators of aphids in gardens.

symbiotic with

Red Wood Ant

Formica rufa

Ants 'farm' aphids for their sugary honeydew.

parasitizes

Parasitoid Wasp

Aphidius colemani

Tiny wasps lay eggs inside aphids, killing them.

hunts

Minute Pirate Bug

Orius insidiosus

These small bugs pierce and feed on aphids.

Traits

Also known as

GreenflyPlant Louse

Safety

Danger

2/5

Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Aphid's wingspan?

3-12 mm

How big is Aphid?

1-10 mm

How long does Aphid live?

10-30 days

How fast can Aphid fly?

1 km/h

What does Aphid eat?

Aphids are tiny plant eaters that drink sugary sap from plants.

Where is Aphid usually found?

Gardens, fields, and farms

How does Aphid hunt?

Grazing

How many legs does Aphid have?

6

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