The winged forms disseminate to form new colonies when environmental conditions are unfavorable or when colonies become overcrowded. Males are seldom seen, and asexual reproduction is the norm. Aphids have a wide host range, but show preferences for barley, sorghum and corn. Several weed species are also hosts for these pests. Feeding occurs during the day.
Aphids have piercing-sucking mouthparts, and feed on juices of host plants.
Aphids produce a sugary substance called honeydew. Life Cycle Corn leaf aphids are most often detected in mid-late June. This species is not tolerant of cold temperatures, and migrates north on prevailing winds from southern overwintering sites. Typically 9 generations are observed over a single season in Minnesota. Aphid generations last around 11 days, though this is dependent on environmental conditions.