Some of the more common Aphids include the Green Peach Aphid, Melon Aphid, Tuliptree Aphid, Giant Bark Aphid, White Pine Aphid, and Rose Aphid. Aphids constitute a large group of small, soft-bodied insects. They may measure up to 6 mm in total length. Aphids have piercing-sucking mouth parts which enable them to remove plant fluids from a host. Aphids generally can be recognized by their pear-like shape, a pair or cornicles at the posterior of their bodies and fairly long antennae.
Aphids vary in color from green, yellow, red, purple, brown or black.
The life history of many Aphids is complex and unusual. Enormous populations of Aphids can be built up in a short period of time. Although considerable variation occurs between species, a typical life history is described as follows. Aphids generally overwinter as fertilized eggs. With the approach of Spring weather, the eggs hatch into nymphs which rapidly mature into wingless females.