Water Lily Aphid - Rhopalosiphum nymphaeae

Description

Apterae of Rhopalosiphum nymphaeae are reddish-brown on the primary host (Prunus species – Plum and Blackthorn), and more or less shiny reddish-brown to dark olive on the secondary host (Water-lily). R. nymphaeae alatae are shining brown, sometimes with white dorsal wax markings. The R. nymphaeae aptera body length is 1.6 to 2.6 mm. For further information follow the ‘Further info:’ link below.

Identification difficulty
Recording advice

Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features, then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed.

Habitat

In spring the Water Lily Aphid feeds on various Prunus species (such as Prunus spinosa) where it feeds on leaf petioles and fruit stalks curling the leaves. In early summer Rhopalosiphum nymphaeae alatae migrate to the secondary hosts comprising a large variety of water plants, including Nymphaea (Water-lilies), Potamogeton, and Sparganium.

When to see it

Spring to autumn.

UK Status

In Britain it is found from the south of England to the north of Scotland but is not well recorded.

VC55 Status

Rarely recorded in Leicestershire and Rutland.

Leicestershire & Rutland Map

MAP KEY:

Yellow squares = NBN records (all known data)
Coloured circles = NatureSpot records: 2025+ | 2020-2024 | pre-2020

UK Map

Species profile

Common names
Water Lily Aphid
Species group:
insect - true bug (Hemiptera)
Kingdom:
Animalia
Order:
Hemiptera
Family:
Aphididae
Records on NatureSpot:
2
First record:
24/05/2023 (Calow, Graham)
Last record:
10/06/2023 (Smith, Peter)

Total records by month

% of records within its species group

10km squares with records

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