Aphids feed by sucking sap from their hosts. Feeding on Ribes spp. Although the sowthistle aphid does not develop on lettuce and papaya, winged individuals feed on these hosts and transmit viruses to these plants. It is this feature that makes this pest economically significant on these crops. This aphid is a vector of about 12 non-persistent viruses such as lettuce mosaic virus, and several persistent viruses including lettuce necrotic yellows, papaya ringspot virus and sowthistle yellow vein.
Developmental time is slightly faster in Hawaii.
With an increase in mean daily temperatures, the development and reproductive rate of this aphid increases. In contrast, the life span and total fecundity decreases. Winged individuals have a longer development time and a lower reproductive rate and life-time fecundity. Since winters in Hawaii are mild, there is no need for an over wintering egg stage. In Hawaii, reproduction does not involve mating and egg laying.