Biological and ecological characteristics of Acyrthosiphon pisum

Acyrthosiphon pisum (Hemiptera, Aphidoidea, Aphididae) is an important insect pest of many crops and forage grasses. This pest not only causes serious losses to alfalfa production, but also is the vector of many plant viruses. As an ecological model insect, A. pisum fascinates many scientists due to its complex life cycle, multiple reproductive types, polymorphism and symbiotic relationship with bacteria. We summarized the research status of biological and ecological characteristics of A. pisum, especially for phenotypic polymorphisms and endosymbiotic bacteria. It is necessary to study how the biological characteristics of A. pisum respond to global climate and cropping pattern changes, and elucidate the genetic mechanisms of ecological adaptation and polymorphisms; this will be helpful for the establishment of sustainable management strategies for this pest.