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Melon
Aphid (Aphis gossypii) - Life Cycle
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Adults:
Melon aphids are small aphids, approximately 1/16 inch (1-2 mm) in
length. The antennae are about one-half the length of the egg-shaped
body, which is extremely variable in color. The wingless forms may
be yellow, green, black, or dark green and some may have white patches
on the abdomen. Colonies are often composed of individuals of several
colors. Winged adults have black heads and antennae, dark red or black
eyes, and an abdomen that is green to dark green with dark patches.
The cornicles ("tail pipes") are entirely dark and always darker than
the body. |
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Eggs:
The eggs are very minute (less than 1 mm). In the northeast, melon
aphids overwinter in the egg stage on a variety of hosts. |
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Nymphs:
The immature aphid is called a nymph and passes through four developmental
stages followed by a pre-reproductive stage before becoming an adult.
The nymphs are egg shaped and yellow, green or black in color. They
are similar in appearance to the adult wingless form. |
Damage inflicted by melon aphids on cucurbits
Some information on this page
taken from Insects of Vegetables: Cornell Cooperative Extension factsheet
number 102GFSV750.50 authored by M. Hoffman, and J.Sanderson.
©All material is protected
by Section 107 of the 1976 copyright law.
Copyright is held by Cornell University.
Maintained by Jason D. Plate. Last updated Mar. 8th, 2007.
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