Black Bean Aphid (Aphis fabae)

Dark aphid species attacking beans, ornamentals and many field crops.

Black bean aphid (Aphis fabae) forms dense, dark colonies on young shoots, stems and flower buds of beans, ornamentals and other host plants. Feeding causes distortion, reduced growth and honeydew deposits that encourage sooty mould. Large colonies can develop rapidly, particularly on soft new growth. Natural enemies include ladybirds, hoverfly larvae, lacewings and the predatory midge Aphidoletes aphidimyza. Suitable aphid parasitoids may also contribute, but host compatibility must be checked rather than assuming all commercially available Aphidius species are appropriate. Management should focus on early detection, conserving natural enemies, monitoring colony development and controlling alternative host plants where appropriate. Established colonies may require targeted intervention alongside biological control.