Microlophium carnosum
Nettle Aphid
Microlophium carnosum, Nettle Aphid. This is a variable species that feeds on the sap of Stinging Nettles, Urtica dioica. Eggs are laid prior to winter at the base of nettle stems. These hatch in the spring, grow and reproduce, reaching a peak in June. Nettle Aphid populations then decline as the nutritional quality of the nettles declines. As with other Aphids, the juvenile stages are called nymphs and resemble adults.
Photograph detail
Slide 1: Microlophium carnosum, Nettle Aphid. Three nymphs feeding on Nettle stem. Churchyard, Redmire. May.
Slide 2: Microlophium carnosum, Nettle Aphid. Adults and nymphs feeding on Nettle stem. Churchyard, Redmire. May.
Slide 3: Microlophium carnosum, Nettle Aphid. Adult female feeding on Nettle stem. Churchyard, Redmire. May.
Slide 4: Microlophium carnosum, Nettle Aphid. Nettle plant, Urtica dioica, with masses of Nettle Aphids. Churchyard, Redmire. May.