Hemiptera

Aphidoidea

Aphids

Many members of the aphid superfamily are serious crop pests. Plant infestations can arise very rapidly due to most aphid's ability to parthenogenetically produce viviparous young (i.e. they give birth to live clones of themselves without the need for mating). By using parthenogenesis, development of the eggs is started before the female reaches adulthood and, in some cases, can even begin within the ovaries of the unborn young!

Anglesey, Wales - May 2009

Cheshire, England - August 2009

Cheshire, England - May 2009

Cheshire, England - June 2009