spotted alfalfa aphid

American  

noun

1. a pale yellowish aphid, Therioaphis maculata, of the southern U.S., especially west of the Mississippi River, that is marked with black spots and has fine spines on its back: a pest mainly of alfalfa and some other legumes, as clover.

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Etymology

Origin of spotted alfalfa aphid

First recorded in 1955–60

Example Sentences

Several natural enemies of the spotted alfalfa aphid, an accidental import from the Middle East, are credited with saving the California alfalfa industry.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson