pea aphid
Quick Summary
The pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum) is a widely distributed insect that is a serious pest on legumes like alfalfa, peas, and clover. Aphids, in general, are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on plant sap. They can stunt plant growth, transmit plant diseases, and cause deformities in plants.12
Pea aphids have two color variations: pale green and pinkish-red. They overwinter on clover and alfalfa, then migrate to peas in the spring. These aphids transmit the yellow bean mosaic virus, which often kills pea plants. Each female can produce many offspring in multiple generations annually. Pea aphids are controlled by natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings, as well as weather conditions and insecticides.2
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