How to Identify Melon Aphids

Melon aphids, also called cotton aphids, are tiny insects that feed on plants. Worldwide, they eat more than 700 plant varieties and ultimately damage them. Learn to identify melon aphids so you can protect your garden and greenhouse.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Identify young melon aphids. The melon aphid nymphs are green, tan or gray. The color appears dull because it is covered with wax secretions. The aphids have a dark head and thorax and a dark green abdomen.

2. Recognize the color of adult melon aphids, which varies. They are typically a mix of light green and dark green but can also be yellow or white.

3. Observe the size of the insects. Adult melon aphids are typically 1 to 2 millimeters long. The aphid nymphs are smaller versions of the adults.

4. Check the legs of the insects. Melon aphids' legs are pale in color, but the tips of the legs are dark black.

5. Look at the body shape. Melon aphids have soft, pear-shaped bodies. Both winged and wingless varieties exist.

Tips & Warnings

• Plant a fertile seed bed that produces a hardy crop. Healthy crops better withstand infestations of melon aphids.
• Many natural insect predators, including lady beetles and wasps, help control melon aphid infestations. Use insecticides only when the melon aphid infestation is extensive.
• Melon aphids eat many plant varieties but most often feed on cucumber, okra, spinach, tomato, eggplant, beet, squash, pumpkin and melon plants. Be on the lookout for melon aphid colonies if you grow these plants in your garden.