Citrus aphid

Scientific name: Toxoptera citricida

The brown citrus aphid, Toxoptera citricida is one of the world’s most serious pests of citrus. Although brown citrus aphid alone can cause serious damage to citrus, it is even more of a threat to citrus because of its efficient transmission of citrus tristeza closterovirus (CTV).

Field identification of brown citrus aphid can be difficult because four of the five regularly collected species can be dark in color, and all five species colonize new growth. Additionally, mixed colonies of two or more species are common.

Fig. 1: Dorsal view of brown citrus aphid observed under foldscope

Fig. 2: Ventral view of brown citrus aphid observed under foldscope

This post is open to read and review on The Winnower.