• Buckthorn-potato aphid

  General The buckthorn- potato aphid , Aphis nasturtii , has a nearly cosmopolitan distribution and is a major pest of potatoes, where it also transmits viruses. It also attacks a large number of other crops, for instance sweet pepper, tomato, aubergine, strawberries and gerbera and worldwide distribution. Damage symptoms Direct damage, caused by sucking of sap is rarely seen. Sometimes, large populations build up on potatoes or other hosts, which can

• Large raspberry aphid

  General The large raspberry aphid, Amphorophora idaei, is the most important aphid species found on raspberries in Europe. It only feeds on raspberry. Damage symptoms Large raspberry aphids rarely reach populations that are high enough to reduce yield by direct feeding damage. The major problem is the spreading of various raspberry viruses by the aphids. Life cycle and appearance of Large raspberry aphid Aphids have a complex life cycle, with both

• Flatheaded woodborer

  General The flatheaded woodborer, Capnodis tenebrionis, is a pest of stone fruit trees, such as plums, peaches, apricots, etc. mainly in the Mediterranean Basin. Adults also feed on other Rosaceae and on subtropical fruit trees, such as avocado and mango. The beetle occurs in North Africa, Southern and Central Europe, the Near East and around the Black and Caspian Seas. Damage symptoms The flatheaded woodborer can attack and kill seemingly healthy

• Lesser Mealworm

  General The darkling beetle, or lesser mealworm, Alphitobius diaperinus is one of the most abundant insects found on the floor of poultry houses. It has long been known as a common pest worldwide, and while its origins are unclear, it was likely carried out of Sub-Saharan Africa and dispersed via global trade routes. The beetles feed on spilled feed and chicken waste and are eaten by the chickens in turn, posing a risk for disease transmission,

• Mottled arum aphid

  General The mottled arum aphid, Neomyzus circumflexus , has a cosmopolitan distribution and a wide host range. In temperate climates it is primarily a pest in greenhouses where it attacks many ornamentals , including chrysanthemums, Begonia and Fuchsia, and also sweet pepper. Damage symptoms Large colonies of mottled arum aphids can greatly reduce plant vigour and kill the plant through sucking of plant sap. However, also at lower densities the

• Blueberry aphid

  General The blueberry aphid, Ericaphis fimbriata or Ericaphis scammelli , is most likely of North American origin and was probably introduced into Europe with plant material. It feeds on blueberries and is a vector of blueberry scorch virus. Damage symptoms Blueberry aphids live in dense colonies on young shoots of blueberry bushes and produce large amounts of sticky honeydew. The aphids spread blueberry scorch virus. This virus disease can cause

• Yellow rose aphid

  General The yellow rose aphid , Rhodobium porosum , is probably of North American origin but is now widely distributed in Europe, North Africa, parts of Asia and South America. It attacks plants of the family Rosaceae and is a pest of strawberries and roses. Damage symptoms The yellow rose aphids usually live in young unfolded leaves. Nymphs and adults extract nutrients from the plant and disturb the balance of growth hormones. As a result, the

• Geranium aphid

  General Acyrthosiphon malvae rogersii is a pest of strawberry that is widely distributed in northern and western Europe. Damage symptoms Wingless aphids may form large colonies on young strawberry foliage, particularly along the petioles. In outdoor strawberries they reach their peak in June. Winged aphids are formed from May onwards and are responsible for spreading the infestation to other strawberry plants. Acyrthosiphon malvae rogersii can spread

• Chafers

  General The chafers are beetles of the Scarabaeidae family. The larvae of both species live in the soil and feed on the roots of many plants. They are a serious pest that can cause substantial damage. The adults are not harmful. Damage symptoms Larval feeding on the roots can lead to yellowing and wilting of plants. Damage can be severe on young plants and especially in grassland and turf. There, secondary damage is often caused by birds and small

• Rosy apple aphid

  General The rosy apple aphid, Dysaphis plantaginea , is a serious apple pest. It is widespread in Europe and also occurs in Africa, North and South America, and Asia and can cause severe damage to both shoots and fruits. Damage symptoms Infested apple leaves are severely curled downwards and disfigured. They sometimes turn yellowish or brown. Attacked shoots are stunted and twisted. Heavy attack can lead to premature leaf fall and death of shoots.