The Russian wheat aphid (RWA), Diuraphis noxia (Mordvilko), has become a worldwide cereal pest with its dispersion to over 30 countries in this century. According to the natural history of its occurrence around the world, it is postulated RWA originated from western or central Asia. The aphid dispersed gradually to Europe and northern Africa, but its big jump across the ocean to North America is still a mystery. There are two overwintering strategies in RWA. The anholocyclic biotype, often reproducing earlier and more offsprings than the holocyclic one, has greater impact on crops in South Africa and United States. According to the experiments on its thermal response, RWA could withstand temperatures below -20℃, while temperatures above 30℃ would be harmful to its survival. The preference to colder condition may determine its distribution on the world. RWA has made great damages to cereal crops worldwide. It caused loss in crop yield by directly feeding on plant nutrition and disturbing the plant metabolism. But its status as plant virus transporter is open to question. By now, the aphid is still a serious pest in many countries and its invasion to more countries and areas maybe continues. Therefore, the research on its biological characteristics as well as its dispersion apparently needs to be enhanced in the future.
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