Aphid
ExploreInsects
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
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
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
Wildlife
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
GreenflyPlant Louse
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
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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