aphid
3 synonyms for aphid, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A tiny soft-bodied insect that feeds by sucking sap from plants, often clustering in large numbers on new shoots and doing serious damage in gardens and crops.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use aphid
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
aphid infestation
aphids on roses
control aphids
aphid colony
Neutral; standard in gardening and entomology.
Etymology
From modern Latin aphis, of uncertain origin.
Full origin of aphid →Frequently asked questions
Are aphids harmful to plants?
Yes. They drain sap, which stunts growth and distorts new leaves, and they excrete a sticky honeydew that encourages sooty mould. Many species also carry plant viruses from one host to another, which is often the more serious problem.
How do you get rid of aphids naturally?
A strong jet of water knocks most of them off, and repeating it every few days keeps numbers down. Encouraging ladybirds, lacewings and hoverflies gives you lasting control, and insecticidal soap handles heavy infestations without wiping out those predators.
What is the difference between an aphid and greenfly?
Greenfly is a common British name for the green-coloured aphids found on roses and vegetables, and blackfly for the dark ones on beans. Both are aphids; the everyday names simply describe colour rather than a separate kind of insect.
