Aphids in alfalfa have many natural enemies.
Use the photos below to identify predators and natural enemies
of aphids. Names link to more information on identification and
biology.
Click on photos to enlarge
Natural
enemies of aphids |
Convergent lady beetle (larva)
Identification tip: Larvae are elongate with long legs and resemble tiny
alligators. |
Convergent
lady beetle (adult)
Identification tip: Adults are mostly orange with
black spots and converging white marks on the thorax. Some
individuals have fewer spots, and some, no spots.
|
Sevenspotted
lady beetle (larva)
Identification tip: Larvae are elongate, grayish, yellow- spotted, and
alligator shaped. |
Sevenspotted
lady beetle (adult)
Identification tip: Adults have a black thorax with white along the front
margin. Seven black spots are on the red or orangish wing covers, which may have
2 white areas near the front. |
Parasitic wasp
Identification tip: Parasitic wasps such as this Aphidius sp. lay
their eggs in aphids. |
Parasitic wasp (aphid mummy)
Identification tip: The cuticle of aphids killed by
parasitic wasps turn bronze (or black) and crusty and are called
mummies. The exit hole is evidence that the parasitic wasp
has emerged. |
Bigeyed bug
Identification tip: Adults and nymphs are oval,
somewhat flattened, about 1/4 of an inch long, with a wide
head and prominent bulging eyes.
|
Damsel bugs
Identification tip: Adults are slender insects that
are mostly yellowish, gray, or dull brown, measuring about
2/5 of an inch long, and have elongated heads and long antennae. |
Minute pirate bugs
Identification tip: Adults are small, 1/12 to 1/5
of an inch long, oval, black or purplish with white markings,
and have a triangular head.
|
Syrphid fly
Identification tip: Larvae are legless, maggot shaped,
and opaque with tapered heads. |
Fungal diseases
Identification tip: Entomopthora fungi first turn aphids
pink and brown, later causing them to shrivel up and die.
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