Macrosiphum rosae (Linneaus, 1758)

Morphological characters

2.2-3.6 mm.

Apterous: medium-sized to large, green or pink to reddish brown with glossy tegument, cornicles long, straight and black, slightly arcuate outwards. Antennae black. Articulations of legs black.
Alate: green or pink with marginal sclerites dark tone to black. Head, thorax, antennae and cornicles black, cauda pointed, long and pale, articulations of legs dark

See identification file

Life cycles

Dioecious holocyclic, between rose bushes and Dipsacaceae or Valerianaceae.

Mainly anholocyclic on rose bushes in regions with mild climate.

Host plants

Primary host: Rosa (rose bushes).
Secondary hosts: Dipsacaceae, occasionally other Rosaceae (Fragaria, strawberry, Pyrus, pear, Malus, apple, also Rubus, blackberry) and Valerianaceae.

Particular characteristics

In autumn the eggs are deposited on rose bushes, wild or cultivated varieties. In spring, eggs hatch and the larvae invade flower stems and the underside of leaves. A partial migration occurs during the summer on Dipsaceae or Valerianaceae. If the winter is mild, the colonies can overwinter parthenogenetically.

Macrosiphum rosae can transmit viral diseases to strawberry plants.
It is harmful to rose bushes and considered to be an important pest.

Natural enemies

Parasitoids :

• Aphidius rosae