Brown citrus aphid
(Insecta: Hemiptera: Aphididae)
Brown citrus aphids are approximately 3.2 mm long. Nymphs are reddish-brown. Wingless adults are shiny black, and winged adults have characteristic black basal antennal segments.
Like many aphids, brown citrus aphids reproduce by parthenogenesis — that is, eggs do not need to be fertilized and develop into the females of the next generation. Instead of laying eggs, females of brown citrus aphids deposit their offspring as nymphs. Nymphs mature in approximately eight days depending on the temperature.
Toxoptera citricida first was detected in Florida in 1995 and has spread rapidly throughout the state.
The brown citrus aphid feeds on members of the Rutaceae family (citrus), causing curling of the new foliage, and it is an efficient vector of citrus tristeza closterovirus (CTV). It also promotes sooty mold growth on foliage.
Images
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Wingless adult of brown citrus aphid, Toxoptera citricida (Kirkaldy)
(Photographer: Lyle Buss, University of Florida)
Wingless adult and nymphs of brown citrus aphid, Toxoptera citricida (Kirkaldy)
(Photographer: Lyle Buss, University of Florida)
Various life stages including winged and wingless adults (center) of brown citrus aphid, Toxoptera citricida (Kirkaldy)
(Photographer: Lyle Buss, University of Florida)
Heavy infestation by brown citrus aphid, Toxoptera citricida (Kirkaldy)
(Photographer: Lyle Buss, University of Florida)
Citrus leaves curled and damaged by brown citrus aphid, Toxoptera citricida (Kirkaldy)
(Photographer: Lyle Buss, University of Florida)