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Pea aphid (Acyrthosiphon pisum) feeds on a number of legume species, including pea and broad bean. It is a relatively large aphid (about 1/6 inch), light to dark green in color, and with noticeably long slender cornicles (rear-pointing secretion tube) near the end of abdomens. Winged and wingless adult forms are common. Cool, dry weather and use of broad-spectrum insecticides can favor population growth of this aphid. Inflated, off-color individuals may be parasitized by wasps and are termed ‘aphid mummies.

Pea aphids.

(Photo: Ric Bessin, University of Kentucky)

Management:

• Monitor peas when conditions are favorable for aphid development; honeydew and molting “cast skins” assist with identification.
• Use broad-spectrum insecticides sparingly.

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