Aphids

A Technical Report from The Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories

Aphids are a large group of small, soft-bodied insects with a modified, needle-like mouthpart (called a “stylet”) that they use to withdraw fluids from vascular tissues in stems, leaves, and sometimes roots. Aphids are a diverse group of insects with diverse and complex life cycles, a large number of potential plant hosts, and a variety of tactics for feeding. Many aphids will secrete saliva into the plant that contain substances to prevent the plant from sealing off the vascular tissue from the aphid. Other species form galls that protect the insect from predators. Some aphids have a wide range of hosts while others only have a few.