Aphids are phloem feeders that insert their stylets into plant tissue to extract nutrient-rich sap, causing physiological issues in the host plant (slowed plant growth, wilting, yellowing leaves).

Honeydew (excess sap) excreted on leaves and flowers as a sticky substance which promotes the growth of black fungal moulds.

White skin moults visible on the leaves.

Live aphids will be present in visible colonies along the stems and undersides of the leaves.

Transmission of viral disease between plants, specifically, hemp streak virus, hemp mosaic virus, hemp leaf chlorosis virus, cucumber mosaic virus, hemp mottle virus and alfalfa mosaic virus.

Adult cannabis aphids range from 1.8–2.7 mm in length. Most of the year, they are wingless, but winged forms emerge later in the growing season or if the population is too heavy indoors.

Individuals can be pale yellow, nearly transparent, or light green with brown tones and three dark longitudinal stripes. Winged adults develop a dark head and thorax. Cannabis aphids have long antennae (1.1–2.2 mm), flanked by two short knobs called antennal tubercles. Their cornicles—two backward-pointing tubes near the rear—are white and measure about one-third of their body length.

Reproduction is primarily asexual through parthenogenesis. Females are viviparous and give birth to live, genetically identical young. These nymphs mature rapidly—usually within 1 to 2 weeks—and adults may live for up to 30 days, allowing for rapid population expansion.

For ID purposes, it is crucial to use wingless adults for identificaiton. Winged adults and nymphs do not always display defining characteristics required for proper ID, look for:

Three longitudinal lines.

Two finger like horn projections (antennal tubercles) at the base of each antenna.

Swollen hairs on the horn like projections.

White cornicles one third of body.

If cannabis aphids find their way into your growing space, it’s often through infected clones or through outdoor cultivation, as the winged form of the aphid will migrate into your space through open doors, vents, windows, or even on people. Because of this, strong aphid prevention measures are a critical part of any successful Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program.

These strategies include: A thorough inspection of all incoming plant material—especially clones, followed by a quarantine period to monitor for hidden infestations. Consistent scouting and monitoring during this time helps detect early signs of pest presence.

Implementing clean-room protocols, such as requiring staff to change clothing or sanitize footwear before entering the grow area, reduces the risk of accidental transfer. Establishing a formal cleanup procedure for tools, trays, and workspaces further minimizes contamination.

Together, these practices form the foundation of a strong biosecurity plan—protecting your crop from economic loss, reducing the need for reactive treatments, and maintaining a healthy, pest-free growing environment.

For controlling Cannabis Aphid effectively, Aphipar-M and Chrysopa are two of the most reliable biological solutions available.

Aphipar-M contains the parasitic wasp Aphidius matricariae, which specializes in targeting and parasitizing aphid species like Phorodon cannabis. These wasps seek out aphid colonies, lay their eggs inside the aphids, and naturally reduce populations through mummification. Aphipar-M is best introduced early, when aphid numbers are low and hotspots begin to appear.

Chrysopa, which contains green lacewing larvae (Chrysoperla carnea), is a highly aggressive generalist predator that feeds on all aphid life stages—including adults and nymphs—as well as eggs of other soft-bodied insects. Because Cannabis Aphids tend to cluster and hide in dense plant material, Chrysopa’s active searching behavior makes them ideal for reaching hard-to-spot infestations.

Used in combination, Aphipar-M provides ongoing parasitism while Chrysopa offers rapid knockdown, making them a powerful IPM duo for cannabis growers looking to manage aphids without synthetic chemicals.