Generally most adult aphids in a colony will be wingless. However, a small number in each generation will have wings. This allows for continual population expansion. Environmental factors such as poor weather, over- crowding and reduction in food quality cause a greater number of them to have wings so the colony can escape unfavorable local conditions. Some will fly long distances.
Individuals can move from one field to another field or to a weed host.
Most fly in the fall. In general, they are moving from drying summer grasses to young fall grasses, including small grains. This movement brings BYDV into a wheat field. Some will make short flights, just a few feet to to a few yards. This moves BYDV to new spots in a field.