Russian wheat aphid is a key pest of small grains in the western United States. Economic impact has varied from year to year and from location to location. It is important to identify which aphid species are infesting a crop because they vary in their economic importance and in appropriate management approaches. Winged and wingless female Russian wheat aphids are known from North America, but males and eggs have not been observed. Male Russian wheat aphids and the egg stage are found within the aphid s native range.
Wingless females spend most of their time on the plant, feeding and reproducing.
Winged forms have less reproductive and damage potential. They spend less time on the plant and are responsible for both local and long distance movement. The latter can be over hundreds of miles, using low level jet streams. Important hosts are wheat and barley, and most of the year is spent on these crops. As the crop matures, aphids will move to new hosts over short or long distances.