Red Aphids

Description:

Very tiny, red, long legs and strange looking up close. Aphids are among the most destructive insect pests on cultivated plants in temperate regions. About 4,400 species of 10 families are known. Historically, many fewer families were recognized, as most species were included in the family Aphididae. Around 250 species are serious pests for agriculture and forestry as well as an annoyance for gardeners. They vary in length from 1 to 10 millimeters (0.04 to 0.39 in).

Habitat:

Just about anywhere there are plants. Natural enemies include predatory ladybirds, hoverfly larvae, parasitic wasps, aphid midge larvae, crab spiders, and lacewings just to name a few. Note- to Project Noah Rangers, I wasn't sure what group to place these in so chose other. Please feel free to move if they belong somewhere else.

Notes:

Interesting facts: Some species of ants "farm" aphids, protecting them on the plants they eat, eating the honeydew that the aphids release from the terminations of their alimentary canals. This is a "mutualistic relationship". These "dairying ants" "milk" the aphids by stroking them with their antennae. Why are these Red and not green? Some species of aphids have acquired the ability to synthesise red carotenoids, by horizontal gene transfer from fungi. This allows otherwise green aphids to be coloured red. Aphids are the only known member of the animal kingdom with the ability to synthesise carotenoids.