As a rule of thumb it needs to be about 50 o F for aphids to be active and temperatures below 30 o F result in increased aphid mortality. However, even at very low temperatures some aphids will survive. A warm and dry winter will aid aphid survival and BYDV spread while a cold and wet winter will reduce aphid survival and movement. This dark green aphid with a rounded body has antennae that are nearly as long as the body. The area surrounding and between the cornicles is red or orange.
Legs are green with black joints.
Its body is flatter and longer than the bird cherry oat aphid. The cornicles are short and black and the area around them is often darker than the rest of the body. These aphids are common on corn or grain sorghum just as these plants begin to form a tassel. CLA can be found on wheat in the fall but disappear as temperatures drop. The antennae are as long as or longer than the body.