Aphids
Aphids
Aphids (/ˈeɪfɪdz/), also known as plant lice and in Britain and the Commonwealth as greenflies, blackflies, or whiteflies, are small sap-sucking insects, and members of the superfamily Aphidoidea.
Etymology
The word "aphid" comes from the Greek ἀφείδης (apheídes) which means "unsparing, lavishly bestowed", likely in reference to their reproductive abilities.
Description
Aphids are among the most destructive insect pests on cultivated plants in temperate regions. They are capable of extremely rapid increase in numbers by asexual reproduction. The damage they do to plants has made them enemies of farmers and gardeners around the world.
Life Cycle
The life cycle of the aphid is complicated. Aphids have many generations a year. Female aphids give live birth without mating in a process called parthenogenesis. They can produce up to 12 offspring a day.
Control
Aphids can be controlled by biological methods. This includes the use of ladybugs, lacewings, and hoverflies. These insects are natural predators of aphids and can help to control their populations.
Related Terms
- Aphidoidea - The superfamily that aphids belong to.
- Parthenogenesis - A form of asexual reproduction in which growth and development of embryos occur without fertilization.
- Ladybugs, lacewings, and hoverflies - Insects that are natural predators of aphids.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Aphids
- Wikipedia's article - Aphids
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