Eggs are not generated in Hawaii. This aphid spends the winter as eggs in temperate climates.
The immature Erigeron root aphid resembles the adult except for its reduced size.
Adults have a frosty coating and are yellowish-green or dark olive green. The icy coating is reminiscent of a network of little 5-sided forms or reticulations.
Host plant:
This aphid species attacks a broad range of plants, mostly those in the Aster genus and several in the Cucurbita genus. According to the US Department of Agriculture, this species prefers plants such as corn, tomato, and zucchini (summer squash).
Territory:
This aphid is recognized worldwide and is most abundant in temperate parts of the western and central United States and Canada, but it is not found in Europe or Asia.
Damages caused by Erigeron Root Aphid:
Aphids get their food by sucking sap from their hosts. This frequently results in distorted plants, twisted and shriveled leaves, and, in some cases, galls on the foliage. Aphids exude honeydew, which bees, wasps, ants, and other insects feed on. Honeydew acts as a substrate for the growth of a sooty fungus known as sootsy mold. Sooty mold darkens the leaf and limits photosynthesis and photosynthesis in the fruit. Aphids transmit many plant diseases, causing far higher losses than direct feeding harm. This is commonly the most devastating aspect of an aphid infestation.
Life history and habitat:
Aphids reproduce in two ways. In warm climates like Hawaii, aphid colonies consist completely of females. Reproduction does not involve mating or egg-laying. Females give birth to live female nymphs. In temperate climates, aphids reproduce as above during the warmer periods of the year. In the fall, the reproduction changes. Males are produced in response to a decrease in photoperiod or temperature. Mating occurs, and females lay eggs. Aphids overwinter in the egg stage.There are many generations of this aphid throughout the year.
