Description

Over all length 1.5 - 3mm. Aphis fabae is a species group and care needs to be taken to identify to species. The plant that the aphids are feeding on is a good indicator of which one is being considered.  This picture was taken on Creeping Thistle Cirsium arvense, which suggests it is probably Aphis fabae cirsiiacanthoidis, Aphis fabae fabae does not migrate to thistles.

Habitat

The primary host is Spindle Euonymus europaeus, and they later migrate to other species of plant.

Status and distribution

Common and widespread in Britain. Common in Nottinghamshire and at Netherfield Lagoons.

Best time to see

All year.