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Reed Warbler (Acrocephalus scirpaceus)

Aphids On The Bill For Breakfast

 

Thanks to Tim Melling for naming the small insects, enabled me to add the following information

 

Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects belonging to the superfamily Aphidoidea. These pests are widely known for feeding on plant sap and are often considered some of the most problematic insects for gardeners and farmers due to their rapid reproduction and ability to damage crops.

 

Key Characteristics:

Size and Color: Aphids are tiny, generally ranging from 1-10 mm in length. They can be green, yellow, black, brown, or even pink, depending on the species.

Body Shape: They have pear-shaped bodies with long antennae, and some species have two small "tailpipes" called cornicles that extend from the abdomen, which secrete defensive chemicals.

Reproduction: Aphids reproduce both sexually and asexually, with many species able to produce live young without mating through a process called parthenogenesis. They can reproduce extremely quickly, leading to large infestations in a short period.

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Uploaded on October 25, 2024
Taken on October 21, 2024