7 replies to this topic

[kingz2015]

Can I purchase aphids? And if so, for how much?
I'm in New York btw.

[FSTP]

Pest transport laws might make purchasing aphids an issue. Your best best woudl likely just go to nursery and garden centers and just start looking for them on thier plants, after asking for permission of course... Also maybe check out your local organic communty garden/farm they would likely have more aphids if they're pesticide free.

[Ants4fun]

Aphid farmers sadly don't make much. It's a very specialized buyer demographic.

[CampoKing]

I totally looked into keeping aphids before, and what I learned is they have obnoxiously complex lifecycles.  They move between plant species depending on whether they're breeding, or mating, or whatever else they feel like.  Generally, they cycle between a tree species and another plant.  I forget the other details.  I kinda felt it wasn't worth it     I know it's not the cheering-on you were hoping for.  I think aphids are just one of those things you can't farm....easily.

[AnthonyP163]

I totally looked into keeping aphids before, and what I learned is they have obnoxiously complex lifecycles.  They move between plant species depending on whether they're breeding, or mating, or whatever else they feel like.  Generally, they cycle between a tree species and another plant.  I forget the other details.  I kinda felt it wasn't worth it     I know it's not the cheering-on you were hoping for.  I think aphids are just one of those things you can't farm....easily.

Although many aphids do circulate between hosts, apterae are typically able to continue to reproduce until they simply can't. While they'll still produce winged adults, they'll continue to grow if they can. This is part of the reason you see aphids frozen on cold mornings in the fall. There's also some genera that will even stick to one plant! 

 

You can browse here: http://influentialpo...phid_genera.htm

[ANTdrew]

Grow native plants in your yard or in a pot if you have a patio/balcony. They will come to you and save you cash!

Milkweed is a favorite as are black eyed-susans (Rudbeckia Hirta).

I get a lot on my elderberry (Sambucus)  bushes and on a cool perennial called golden ragwort (Packera aurea).

[kingz2015]

Thank you.

[ANTdrew]

Another aphid favorite I remembered is our native honeysuckle, Lonicera sempervirens. That is just a cool plant all around!

Edited by ANTdrew, January 30 2019 - 3:47 AM.