Dispersal records of the sugarcane aphid, melanaphis sacchari (Zehntner) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), through the Midwest Suction Trap Network

Summary Melanaphis sacchari (Zehntner) (Hemiptera: Aphididae), the sugarcane aphid, is an invasive species in the United States. This species is a threat to crops of economic importance including sorghum and sugar cane. Therefore, monitoring dispersal of this pest is necessary to document its geographic expansion. Based on trap catches obtained from the Midwest Suction Trap Network during 2015 to 2017, sugarcane aphids arrived late in the growing season as far as northern Wisconsin. We will continue to monitor the dispersal of this aphid species through the Midwest Suction Trap Network in order to provide information to researchers, extension agents, and producers regarding this agronomically important pest.