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How to Manage Pests
Identification:
Key to Aphids Commonly Found in Small Grains, Corn, and Sorghum
in California
Note: This key includes only the aphid species that are most commonly
found in small grains (wheat, rye, and barley), corn, and sorghum in
California. If you are unable to identify an aphid using this key, contact
your local Cooperative Extension
farm advisor for assistance.
Numerous aphid species attack small grains, corn, and sorghum in California
throughout the growing season.
Most of the aphids found in small grains, corn, and sorghum and included
in this key are Russian wheat aphid (Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko)), bird
cherry-oat aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi (L.)), English grain
aphid (Sitobion avenae (F.)), greenbug (Schizaphis
graminum (Rondani), corn leaf aphid (R. maidis (Fitch)), yellow
sugarcane aphid (Sipha flava (Forbes)) and rose-grain aphid (Metopolophium
dirhodum (Walker)).
Proper aphid management requires accurate identification, as economic
thresholds are developed for individual species.
Use this key to identify winged (alate) and wingless (apterous) adult
aphids. While aphids appear to be very simple insects, they are really
very complex, both in their biology and their morphology. As with other
insects, external morphological features are used to identify individuals
to the species level.
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This drawing of a typical aphid shows a number of morphological
features important in identification.
- Look at an aphid through a 10x hand lens to see the important
characters that distinguish it from others included in this key.
- On each page of the key, click on the box that best matches
the character of the aphid you’re trying to identify.
Begin the Key
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