Scanning electron micrograph (SEM), tinted green, of a bird cherry aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi (also known as Aphis avenae), feeding on a barley leaf. T

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Scanning electron micrograph (SEM), tinted green, of a bird cherry aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi (also known as Aphis avenae), feeding on a barley leaf. This species is a common economic pest, transmitting two viral diseases, yellow dwarf virus and maize leaf fleck virus, which infect crops such as oats, barley, wheat and maize. Transmission occurs when the aphid inserts its stylet & feeds on sugar stored in the leaves. Large infestations of aphids can also cause the leaves of the plant to wilt & fall. Waxy tufts on the head & body give the aphid a mealy appearance. Magnification: X 23 at 35mm size. Original is BW print Z295/051.

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Size: 3695px × 4724px
Photo credit: © Science Photo Library / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: animal, aphid, barley, bird, cherry, disease, hordeum, insect, insecta, invertebrate, invertebrates, jointed, legs, nature, padi, plant, rhopalosiphum, vulgare, wildlife, zoology