Summary

Wax model of a Black Peach Aphis (Anuraphis persicae-niger (aphididae)) magnified x130 made by R. H. Fowler, 15/5/1937. It was made for the Industrial and Technological Museum, along with thousands of other examples of wax models. This collection was used to promote Victoria's horticultural development and to educate the public about horticulture, disease and insect pests.

This model shows how an aphid utilizes its sucking mouth parts to draw sap from a leaf vein. Aphids cause stunted and distorted plant growth and defoliation. Aphids (and other sucking insects such as scales) do not eat the outer surface of the leaf, and hence cannot be controlled by poisonous leaf sprays used to kill chewing insects (eg caterpillars). They are usually controlled by: (i) a spray which kills on contact with the body of the aphid or (ii) an insecticide which enters the plant and is carried in the sap. A contact insecticide such as nicotine sulphate or malathion is usually used for control of the black peach aphid.

Physical Description

Cross section of a leaf being eaten by a black aphid. The aphid has its mouth extended into the leaf. The aphid is black with two antennae bent backwards over its thorax.

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