DPI recently issued the first report of Myzus fataunae, the Pilea aphid, in the Western Hemisphere. Specimens were collected from an aluminum plant (Pilea cadeirei) in Florida. These aphids are native to Japan and Korea. They represent a threat to nursery growers and homeowners who cultivate P. cadierei.
Photo: Jeff Lotz, DPI
Immature aphids are greenish-white, and they develop bicoloration as they reach later instars and adulthood. Adult pilea aphids have a brown head/thorax, and a yellow abdomen. They are extremely small (0.9-1 mm) and require a hand lens to survey.
Check out the FDACS-DPI pest alert for more information on the Pilea aphid in Florida.
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