Family overview

Tiny, soft-bodied, often pear-shaped. Two tube-like CORNICLES projecting from the rear of the abdomen. Many produce live young (viviparous) and can reproduce parthenogenetically.

Among the most destructive crop pests. Vector plant viruses. Excrete honeydew that supports sooty mold and ant mutualisms.

At a glance

Family facts.

Distribution

Worldwide

Habitat

Terrestrial · Plants

Approx. species

5,000

Notable members

Green peach aphid, soybean aphid, woolly apple aphid