Schizaphis graminum

Homoptera (Heteroptera): Aphididae

Identification
• These pinhead-sized, soft-bodied, green, pear-shaped aphids have a dark stripe down the back. (a)
• They are usually wingless.

Damage
• Greenbugs suck the sap from the grass blades and inject toxic saliva into them, causing them to turn brown and die.
• The turf under tree canopies and in the shade of buildings turns orangish-brown before spreading to other areas. (b) Check the grass blades at the edge of the affected areas for greenbugs.

Management
• Several chemical insecticides are effective.
• Parasitic wasps help reduce greenbug numbers.

Other Information
• Greenbugs are serious pests of wheat, corn, sorghum, and other small grains in the southwestern U.S. Treatment there has resulted in resistance to some insecticides.
• Greenbugs are commonly carried into the midwest on storm fronts from the south. It rains aphids when raindrops form around the aphid bodies.