Aphis fabae

Overview

This is one of the most polyphagous and widely distributed aphid species.

Common names

Bean aphid, Black bean aphid.

Distribution

This aphid is globally distributed, found commonly in temperate regions of the northern hemisphere and in cooler regions of South America, Africa, and the Middle East.

Host associations

It has one of the broadest host ranges, having been recorded from nearly 120 plant families.

Economic importance

It is particularly important on beans, peas, beets, crucifers, cucurbits, potato, tobacco, tomato, and tulip. Three recognized subspecies, in addition to the previously mentioned host plants, attack Arctium and Cirsium (Asteraceae), Euonymus (Celastraceae), Viburnum (Caprifoliaceae), Philadelphus (Hydrangeaceae), Tropaeolum (Tropaeolaceae), and others. It has been implicated in the transmission of over 40 plant viruses.

Additional resources

See also. Taxonomy at Aphid Species File; Aphids on the World's Plants.

References

Blackman, R.L. and V.F. Eastop. 1994. Aphids on the World’s Trees. CAB International with The Natural History Museum, London. viii + 987 pages, 135 figures, 16 plates.

Blackman, R.L. and V.F. Eastop. 2000. Aphids on the World’s Crops, Second Edition. John Wiley & Sons with the Natural History Museum, London. x + 466 pages, 58 figures, 51 plates.

Blackman, R.L. and V.F. Eastop. 2006. Aphids on the World’s Herbaceous Plants and Shrubs. Volume 2 The Aphids. John Wiley & Sons with the Natural History Museum, London. viii + pages 1025–1439.

Chan, C.K., A.R. Forbes, and D.A. Raworth. 1991. Aphid-transmitted viruses and their vectors of the world. Agriculture Canada Technical Bulletin 1991–3E. 1–216 pp.

Holman, J. 2009. Host Plant Catalog of Aphids, Palaearctic Region. Springer Science and Business Media B.V. 1216 pp.

Scientific name

Aphis fabae Scopoli, 1763