Aphids(plant louse) are small insects that feed on plants. They range in size from 1-4 mm long [2]. Aphids cause more plant damage than all other insects. As a pest, aphids are also important as transmitters of viral diseases in plants [1]. Aphids are found in many parts of the world, most commonly in warm temperate regions [3].
The aphid(plant louse) has many natural enemies. One of the most common is ladybugs. Other common ones are parasitic wasps, gall midges and aphid lions(green lacewing larvae), which make them an essential part of the food chain [1, 3, 4]. Most aphids have soft bodies, which can be green, black, brown, pink or almost colourless. Aphids have thin, long legs and antennae with as many as six segments. Aphids feed through sucking mandibles called stylets [1, 2, 4].
Key functions
● Serv as a vital component in the garden’s ecosystem and providing essential food for several other animals.
Common Species
There are about 4,000 different species of aphids [1]. About 250 species are serious pests for agriculture and forestry and a nuisance for gardeners. In Sweden, 600 species have been found. All aphids live on plants. The aphid species that are important as pests in agriculture mainly belong to the family Aphididae [1].
A few species to discover in nature:
● Red Currant Aphid
Naturespot – Red Currant Aphid 
● Black bean aphid
EOL – Encyclopedia of Life – Black Bean Aphids
● Rose Aphid
Britannica – Rose Aphid
● Mealy Plum Aphid
Naturalist – Mealy Plum Aphid
Sources
- The Royal Horticultural Society – Aphids
- Naturespot – Aphid
- Wikipedia – Aphid – Plant Louse
- Neudorff – Aphis – Plant Louse
June 2023, TÄNKOM | Revised December 2023 RETHINK
