Rhopalosiphum maidis
is a cosmopolitan aphid species that feeds mostly on grasses and sedges.
Common names. Corn leaf aphid.
Distribution. This aphid is globally distributed, located in all but the coldest terrestrial habitats.
Host associations. It has a relatively narrow host range, having been recorded from species of over 8 plant families.
Economic importance. It is particularly important on corn, rice, sorghum, and sugarcane, but also attacks a broad range of other grasses such as barley, oats, rye, and wheat. It has been implicated in the transmission of at least 15 plant viruses.
See also. Taxonomy at Aphid Species File. Aphids on the World's Plants. Literature references.