Shallot Aphid

Shallot Aphid - Myzus ascalonicus

Description

The adult wingless form is 1.1 to 2.2 mm long and shiny pale green to dirty yellow. Its appendages are all pale except for the ends of the antennae and the 'ankles/feet' which are all quite black. The two tubes (siphunculi) at the rear end are pale, short to medium in length with the apical part slightly swollen. The tail (cauda) is roughly triangular in shape and short. Winged forms are produced in spring, and migrate from late April through to mid June.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

It has been recorded on over 200 plant species from 20 plant families. Overwintering takes place in glasshouses and other protected places such as potato stores, on onions, shallots, swede or beet. It can also pass the winter in the open on plants such as chickweed and crane’s-bill under hedges or similar shady spots.

When to see it

All year round

Life History

This species is not known to produce overwintering eggs at all, but the adult overwinters (see above) and seems well able to tolerate the cold.

UK Status

Common and widespread in Britain.

VC55 Status

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known, but thought to be common.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Additional images

All NatureSpot records