Strawberry aphid
(Chaetosiphon fragaefolii)

Overview

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The species Chaetosiphon fragaefolii is commonly known as the strawberry aphid. Infestations of the species C. fragaefolii rarely reach levels of infestation high enough to cause economic losses but can impact the production in subsequent years with the introduction and spread of viruses. Furthermore, the deposition of honeydew results in the formation of sooty molds, making fruits unmarketable.

Main description

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Strawberry aphids are about 2 mm in length, have long antennae and appear as pear shaped insects in a range of different colours. Aphids have two tubes at the tip of their abdomens that resemble exhaust pipes.

Scouting

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Scouting for the strawberry aphid should begin at the presence of the first fully expanded leaf.