Green Peach Aphid Life Cycle

Myzus persicae, or the green peach aphid, is the biggest threat to peach trees. It appears worldwide in the summer, but is intolerant of colder temperatures. The green peach aphid life cycle varies depending on the severity of winter temperatures and the presence of host plants. When the weather is mild, the life cycle is only 10 to 12 days, and up to 20 generations of green peach aphids are born in a single year.

The green peach aphid egg

In the fall, the aphid undergoes sexual reproduction and deposits elliptical eggs on trees of the genus Prunus. These yellow or green eggs turn black as they reach maturity and hatch in the spring. In warmer temperatures, the aphid does not lay eggs.

The green peach aphid nymphs

After the first generation hatches, adults give birth to female nymphs for the rest of the season. All nymphs are green when they are born, and then they turn yellow.

The green peach aphid adult

A female aphid undergoes asexual reproduction and gives birth to nymphs six to 17 days after hatching. Each adult lives up to only 23 days. After eight generations, the aphids give birth to winged generations that can travel to other host plants.

The green peach aphid is considered a pest worldwide because of its quick life cycle, and ability to affect multiple host plants over time. Current research focuses on the insect's genome in search of a way to control the pest.