Aphididae

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Aphididae is a very large insect family in the aphid superfamily (Aphidoidea), of the order Hemiptera. There are several thousands of species in this family, most of which are well-known for being serious plant pests.

Characteristics

Members of the Aphididae are soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects. Most of them have a pair of little tubes, called cornicles, projecting from the posterior of the abdomen. Front wings are dotted with 4 to 6 veins below the darkened stigma. They all have very small eyes, sucking mouthparts and fairly long antennae.

These insects are very small (a few millimeters in length), so small that they can be transported by wind through fairly long distances. They are often green, but might be red or brown as well. They move quite slowly and cannot jump or hop.

Miscellaneous

The anus of these species secrete a liquid called honeydew, which is used as food for ants and many other insects.

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