Aphis gossypii

Overview

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

Common names

Cotton aphid, Melon aphid.

Distribution

This aphid is globally distributed, located in all but the coldest terrestrial habitats.

Host associations

It has one of the broadest host ranges of any aphid, having been recorded from species of over 135 plant families.

Economic importance

It is particularly important on cotton and cucurbits but also attacks a broad range of other crops such as citrus, crucifers, peppers, and a large variety of ornamentals. It has been implicated in the transmission of over 50 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.

Voegtlin, D., W. Villalobos, M.V. Sanchez, G.Saborio, and C. Rivera. A Guide to the Winged Aphids of Costa Rica. 2003. International Journal of Tropical Biology and Conservation 51(Suppl. 2):xi + 228 pp.

Scientific name

Aphis gossypii Glover, 1877