Aphid identification in lettuce
It is ideal to use adult specimens of aphids for proper identification. Adult aphids differentiate from nymphs because they have a defined and fully formed cauda (tail at the middle and posterior end of the abdomen) and cornicles (tube-like structures flanking the cauda). Color and size are not reliable features to solely use when identifying aphids.
Please review one of the latest post on the Salinas Valley Agriculture blog about aphid color and identification at
http://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=27055
Photo credits: UC IPM, S. Joseph, A. Del-Pozo
Information on aphid biology and management has been published on CAPCA Adviser Magazine, August 2018, Vol XXI, No 4, p 40-43.
Web access to this articles at