Aphid
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There are 10 families:
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Aphids, also known as plant lice, are small insects that feed on plants. These insects are members of the superfamily Aphidoidea. About 4,000 species of aphids are known, presently classified in 10 families, though historically there were many fewer, with most species included in the family Aphididae. Around 250 species are serious pests for agriculture and forestry as well as an annoyance for gardeners. They vary in size from 1-10 mm long.
Important natural enemies include the predatory lady beetles (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), hoverfly larvae (Diptera: Syrphidae), and lacewings (Neuroptera: Chrysopidae), and entomopathogenic fungi like Lecanicillium lecanii and the Entomophthorales.
Aphids are distributed world-wide, but are most common in temperate zones. It is possible for aphids to migrate great distances (mainly through passive dispersal riding on winds) depending on the weather patterns; for example, the lettuce aphid spread from New Zealand to Tasmania.[1] They have also been spread by human transportation of infested plant materials.
[change] References
- ↑ "Landline: Scientist battles lettuce aphid.", Australian Broadcasting Corp, 30 October, 2005. Retrieved on 1 January 2007.
