Tulip aphids, Dysaphis tulipae, are little, typical aphids with relatively long, black cornicles.
The Dysaphis tulipae Aptera has a body length of 1.7-2.3 mm.
Tulip bulb aphids are so-called because they feed on tulip bulbs and other ornamental plant bulbs in storage and the field. It’s also known as the iris root aphid.
Host plant:
One of the most prevalent plant aphids is Chionodoxa (Glory of the snow). Tulips, crocus, gladiolus corms, iris bulbs, lily, narcissus, scilla, snowdrop, and tulip bulbs are all hosts.
Territory:
This aphid is found worldwide except in South America.
Damages caused by Tulip Bulb Aphid:
Tulip bulb aphids can restrict and distort immature shoot growth, and excessive infestations can kill the plant. It can also spread viruses like the tulip shattering virus. After growing, tulip aphids infest the plants’ leaves, shoots, buds, and flowers. This aphid can spread tulip breaking virus and narcissus yellows streak virus to tulips and narcissus in the landscape.
Life history and habitat:
In the summer, the tulip bulb aphid can be found on the elder leaves of lilies and irises, where it forms tight colonies, as illustrated in the photos below. It can also be found in winter storage on lilies, crocus bulbs, and rhizomes. Dysaphis tulipae is not a common species in Britain, but colonies are not easily seen since they are low down towards the base of the plant or hidden behind the dry outer scales of the bulb.
