Rose Aphid

Rose Aphid - Macrosiphum rosae

Description

The wingless aphids are medium-sized to rather large, broadly spindle-shaped, shiny, and pale to dark green or deep pink to red-brown or magenta, with shiny black head. Antennae and legs bicoloured, yellow and black.  The cauda is pale yellow. The adult aptera of Macrosiphum rosae is 1.7 to 3.6 mm long.

Identification difficulty
Habitat

As the name suggests the aphid is to be found on various types of rose (Rosaceae sp) and mainly colonises tender flower buds, young shoots and lower surface of young leaves.

When to see it

Best seen from June to October

Life History

They bear live young as opposed to laying eggs.  Can be a pest of cultivated roses.

UK Status

Common and widespread in Britain.

VC55 Status

Common in Leicestershire and Rutland.

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