Species Monellia caryella - Blackmargined Pecan Aphid

Monellia caryella (Fitch)

Orig. Comb: Aphis caryella Fitch 1855

2-3 mm (about 1/16 inch)

Found on pecan trees. A clear to yellow or pale green aphid. Adults hold their wings flat over the back of the body.

e. NA to NM - Map (1)

bottomlands, near pecans

Jun-Oct (BG data)

Carya spp., especially C. illinoinensis (pecan) and C. cordiformis (bitternut hickory)

The species overwinters as eggs in bark crevices and under loose bark. Wingless nymphs hatch in the spring, move to leaves, and develop through four instars. Winged and wingless adults that develop produce nymphs without mating by parthenogenesis. Many (16 to 32) generations occur annually. When cooler weather arrives, eggs are produced for the winter.

distinguished from the related Yellow Pecan Aphid, Monelliopsis pecanis Bissel, which lacks the black front margin on the forewing, and holds the wings roof-like over the back of the body.

Monellia medina, recorded from Carya spp. in Maryland and Ohio, is very similar.