Spirea aphid

Insect

Spirea aphid

Aphis spiraecola Patch

Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Aphididae

Distribution: Widespread in most fruit-growing states and provinces in eastern North America.

Photos

Similar species is the apple grain aphid, which has three longitudinal, dark green bands on the back

Similar species is the apple grain aphid, which has three longitudinal, dark green bands on the back and normally does not cause damage. Bernard Drouin, Ministry of Ag., Fisheries, and Food
C

The eggs are oval and shiny black. The adults and nymphs are olive-green with brown-black legs (A), antennae, and cornicles. They live in colonies.

  • Crops Affected: apples, pears

    Damage

    Attacks apple and pear. This aphid causes the curling of young leaves (B), reduces the growth of infested shoots and excretes honeydew on leaves and fruit that favors the development of sooty mold.

    Management

    Protect natural predators by the use of selective insecticides. Monitor colonies on growing shoots; application of selective insecticide may occasionally be necessary if high percentage of shoots have active aphid colonies (can simultaneously be used against leafhoppers and leafminers).

    Similar Species

    The apple aphid, Aphis pomi De Geer, and the spirea aphid are impossible to differentiate in the field, even under magnification, and cause the same types of damage. In recent years, A. pomi has been almost entirely displaced by A. spiraecola in commercial apple plantings. Also, early in the season, the apple grain aphid, Rhopalosiphum fitchii (Sanderson), is present. It has three longitudinal dark green bands on the back (C) and normally does not cause damage.

About

Resources

Events

Michigan State University
  • Spartans Will.
  • © Michigan State University

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential.

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707.

We comply with the Federal Trade Commission 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).