Brachycaudus cardui

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Alternative names

Plum - Thistle Aphid

Description

Brachycaudus cardui apterae are brownish-yellow, pale green or brown, with separate cross bars on thoracic segments, a large shining black spot situated dorsally on the abdomen and 2 or 3 black stripes at the tip. The immatures are yellowish or reddish with green markings. The body length of apterae is 1.8 to 2.4 mm.

Identification difficulty

Recording advice

Good close up photographs required please.

Habitat

In Britain it seems to live all year round on Asteraceae.

When to see it

Summer and autumn.

UK Status

True status in Britain is difficult to determine due to lack of records.

VC55 Status

Status in Leicestershire and Rutland not known.

Further Information

https://influentialpoints.com/Gallery/Brachycaudus_cardui_Plum-thistle_aphid.htm

David Nicholls
Oadby, Blackthorn Manor
30 May 2022
Graham Calow
Sapcote, Grace Road
03 June 2024
aptera recorded on Spear Thistle
Peter Smith
Cropston garden
11 June 2022
Aptera with dark spot; immatures green.
Graham Calow
Sapcote, Grace Road
03 June 2024
on Spear Thistle
Peter Smith
Cropston garden
11 June 2022
Aptera
Peter Smith
Cropston garden
11 June 2022
Distorted foliage (Echinops)
Graham Calow
Sapcote, Grace Road
03 June 2024
on Spear Thistle