Origin:
Believed to be native to Europe or Asia, but now found on continents throughout the world as a serious pest of grains.
Biology:
In cold regions the females mate with males and then deposit eggs on grasses, with the eggs overwintering. In warmer climates most reproduction is done asexually with parthenogenesis, females giving birth to living nymphs at the rate of 5 young per day. Development to the adult stage takes only a week or slightly longer. This species feeds on over 70 different types of grasses, including many turf species and most grains.
Identification:
A small aphid about 2 mm long as an adult, and with very typical features of aphids – long thin antennae, cornicles at the rear top of the abdomen, adult females with long, well developed wings that are held roof-like over the abdomen while at rest. The color is a pale green to yellowish. The feeding on the grass blade causes a yellow to reddish spot that eventually may expand to discolor the entire blade, leading to death of the roots of that grass.
Characteristicts Important to Control:
Contact spray insecticides applied directly to the turf and at least 6 feet beyond any noticeable damage will effectively kill the insects. Granular insecticides may not be effective as they travel down to the soil below the feeding area of the aphids.
