AphidsAphids do not generally appear in greenhouses until the later part of spring. Like thrips, they overwinter in the eggs stage. There are several different species of aphids that are important pests in vegetable greenhouses. They can be identified by color (eyes, cornicals, body), size, and shape. Several sites are provided that will assist with this. Proper identification is important if you plan to release parasitoids because there is usually specificity in host preference among parasitoids, unlike most predators that have broader prey diets. Aphids reproduce rapidly and large populations can develop with few if any being caught on sticky cards. Adult aphids develop wings only in the fall or when their populations become crowded and they need to migrate to another host. Once they have found a suitable host they rapidly produce wingless daughters which soon, without mating, reproduce. The white cast skins of molting aphids are very light and can "dance" in air curents when disturbed. This is sometimes mistaken as a whitefly infestation. Take a closer look on the lower side of the leaves.  | | Aphid adult with wings caught on a sticky card, surrounded by 3 thrips. Note the long antennae and legs, and cornicals (tailpipes) on tip of the abdomen. | | Aphid Identification Sites |
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