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Aphis nerii

Oleander aphid

Description

This is a distinctive bright yellow aphid with black legs, antennae, cauda (tail-like appendage) and cornices (tubes that extend from the abdomen). Aphids appear on new shoots, buds and foliage in the spring. Large populations develop over the summer. All aphids are females. During the season some aphids develop wings and fly to colonize new plants. The aphids’ bright colouring is a warning to predators. The aphids secrete toxic cardenolides (cardiac glycosides). Many of them typically become infested with a parasitic wasp, Lysiphlebus testaceipes. Infested aphids swell, turn brown and die. Common in the Mediterranean part of Europe but spread as oleanders were introduced. Now occurs in south part of Central Europe as well.

Symptom

Yellow aphids on the underside of the leaves, flowers and on new shoots. Large colonies.

Tree Species: Oleander

Part of a plant- attacked: Leaf / Needle, Branch

Pest Category: Insects

Invasive Species: No

Present in EU: Yes