Kauaʻi record · KCA-IA-00164
Rose Aphid
Macrosiphum rosae
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About Rose Aphid
Rose Aphid (Macrosiphum rosae) is a member of Aphididae in the order Hemiptera. Its recorded origin status on Kauaʻi is introduced.
Rose aphid (Macrosiphum rosae) is an introduced aphid documented from Kauaʻi. Green, pink, or reddish colonies cluster on tender rose shoots and flower buds, where they remove sap and produce sticky honeydew. Heavy infestations can distort young growth and reduce flower quality, while winged adults allow colonies to spread quickly among roses and other occasional hosts.
Kauaʻi occurrence evidence: Matsunaga, Howarth & Kumashiro (2019) Table 1 includes Kauaʻi island code 'Ka'; first-detection year shown as 2004; reported island distribution: Ka.
The cited occurrence evidence does not by itself establish current abundance or population trend on Kauaʻi.
Life cycle
Nymphs mature into wingless or winged adults. In seasonal climates live-bearing generations dominate the growing season and sexual females later lay overwintering eggs; Kauaʻi may support a different warm-climate pattern.
Habitat
Wild and cultivated roses and other occasional rosaceous/ornamental hosts in gardens and landscapes.
Food and ecological role
Phloem sap, principally from Rosa and other rosaceous plants.
Reproduction
Rapid parthenogenetic live birth during favorable conditions; sexual egg stage occurs in seasonal populations.
Movement
Winged adults move among rose plants; nursery plants can transport colonies.
Ecosystem role
Introduced ornamental-plant sap feeder and honeydew producer.
Threats and impacts
Dense colonies can stunt shoots, distort leaves and buds, and support sooty mold on honeydew.
Monitoring
Inspect new rose growth and buds; record color form, winged adults, natural enemies and plant distortion.
Names and classification
- Scientific name
- Macrosiphum rosae
- Common names
- Rose Aphid
- Family
- Aphididae
- Order
- Hemiptera
- Record type
- species
Kauaʻi occurrence and status
- Kauaʻi occurrence
- Present
- Origin
- Introduced
- Conservation status
- Not assessed
Process and seasonal context
- Seasonal description
- Rose Aphid (Macrosiphum rosae) is a member of Aphididae in the order Hemiptera. Its recorded origin status on Kauaʻi is introduced.