Aphid Pests of Citrus Aphid Pests of Citrus 1 T. R. Fasulo and S. E. Halbert 2 Description and Identification Aphids are easily recognized by the characteristic pear shape of their fragile soft bodies. In Florida, several species of aphids are economically important as citrus pests.
Colonies form on new growth and persist on the backs of leaves as shoots harden off.
Virtually all citrus aphids in Florida are females that give birth to living young. Males are not needed for reproduction except for production of cold hardy, overwintering eggs that occur in cold climates. It is almost identical to the color of a young citrus leaf. Winged forms have a dark brown thorax with a green abdomen. Spirea aphids were first discovered in the Tampa area in 1923 and have since spread throughout the state.