In the north, female nymphs hatch from eggs in the spring on the primary hosts. Under high density conditions, deterioration of the host plant, or upon arrival of autumn, production of winged forms predominates. During periods stressful to the host plant, small yellow or white forms of the aphid are also produced. Under warm conditions, a generation can be completed parthenogenetically in about seven days. In the south, and at least as far north as Arkansas, sexual forms are not important.
Females continue to produce offspring without mating so long as weather allows feeding and growth.
Unlike many aphid species, melon aphid is not adversely affected by hot weather. Melon aphid can complete its development and reproduce in as little as a week, so numerous generations are possible under suitable environmental conditions. When first deposited, the eggs are yellow, but they soon become shiny black in color. As noted previously, the eggs normally are deposited on catalpa and rose of sharon. The nymphs vary in color from tan to gray or green, and often are marked with dark head, thorax and wing pads, and with the distal protion of the abdomen dark green.