Winged Aphids and Alates
Scientific group or name: Aphididae
Overview
Winged aphids, called alates, are the dispersal stage produced when colonies become crowded or host conditions change.
Host plants
Most crop groups, depending on aphid species.
Identification
Alates have two pairs of wings, long antennae and the characteristic cornicles of aphids. Colour and size vary by species.
Damage and symptoms
A single alate may found a new colony. Winged aphids are particularly important in the movement of plant viruses.
Lifecycle and favourable conditions
Crowding, plant decline, seasonal changes and suitable flight weather can trigger migration.
Monitoring
Use yellow traps alongside close plant inspection. Traps reveal movement but cannot show whether colonies have established.
Management
Inspect incoming plants, remove early colonies, control reservoir weeds and use screening where practical.
Biological control and natural enemies
Parasitoids and predators control colonies after establishment, but may not prevent initial virus transmission by incoming alates.
Biological control should be selected only after the pest has been identified and the crop, temperature, growing environment and pest pressure have been considered.
Related BioWiki pages
Aphids · Aphid Virus Transmission
This page provides general integrated pest-management information. Identification and control decisions should be confirmed for the crop and local situation.