Aphis citricola van der Goot

SPECIES: Aphis citricola van der Goot ( Order Rincoti )

COMMON NAME: Green citrus aphid

SIZE: from 1 to 4 mm

LIFECYCLE: In citrus growing areas, Aphis citricola generally completes an anolocycle, overwintering as an adult female; from spring onwards, multiple generations follow one another (even up to 40) which all take place on Citrus or on shrubby plants (Crataegus sp., Spiraea sp.). Furthermore, the Aphid can complete a dioecious holocycle which takes place between shrubby Rosaceae (primary hosts) on which it overwinters as a long-lasting egg, and on Citrus or other arboreal and/or herbaceous plants (secondary hosts).

FEATURES: The adults (about 1.5-2 mm long, depending on whether they are winged or apterous) are greenish in colour; they have brownish siphons and tail.

DAMAGE: Aphis citricola is the species, among Aphids, most harmful to Citrus fruits and in particular to Mandarin, Clementine and Orange. The damage is seen on the buds and leaves; but the Aphid can also attack flowers and fruits. On the leaves, on the lower surface, and on the buds it causes, with feeding punctures, visible curling that hinders the development of the plant, when it attacks flowers and fruits, it can cause dripping and falling. Furthermore, Aphis citricola produces abundant honeydew that stains the vegetation and allows the development of sooty mold. Finally, like other Aphids, it is responsible for the spread of viruses. We also remember the brown Citrus Aphid (Toxoptera aurantii) which like Aphis citricola and Aphis gossypii colonizes the leaves and buds of Citrus fruits.