A Field Key To The Citrus Aphids In Florida

There are 5 aphids that feed and reproduce on citrus in Florida. Three of these 5 species, Aphis spiraecola Patch, Aphis gossypii Glover, and Toxoptera aurantii (Fonsc.) are considered pests. A. spiraecola and A. gossypii also are known to vector tristeza, a virus that causes a decline in citrus trees. A. spiraecola causes severe leaf curling in the spring and early summer. Myzus persicae (Sulzer) and Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Thomas) are found occasionally on citrus, but are not considered a pest.