About Brachycaudus cardui Linnaeus, 1758
Viviparous wingless females of Brachycaudus cardui have an oval or pear-shaped body, reaching a length of 1.8 to 2.5 mm (0.07 to 0.10 inches). Their body color can be green, yellowish, reddish, or brown. A dark, shiny patch is present on the dorsal surface of the abdomen, which distinguishes this species from the visually similar plum leaf curl aphid, Brachycaudus helichrysi. Nymphs typically have pinkish blotches against a dark green background. This species has a wide distribution across Europe, Asia, North Africa, and North America.
