The role of the color of the substratum on the initiation of the probing behavior in Myzus persicae (Sulzer) and Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Thomas) (Homoptera: Aphididae)

Twenty-five colors were evaluated for their effect on the initiation of probing behavior in the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer), and the potato aphid, Macrosiphum euphorbiae (Thomas). The proportion of aphids of both species initiating probing behavior was maximum on green, yellow, or orange and lowest on purple, blue, white, or black. The time taken by individual aphids to begin probing was shorter for M. persicae than for M. euphorbiae but was essentially unaffected by colors. A larger proportion of both aphid species probed on the lower surface of potato (var. Kathadin) leaflet compared with the upper surface. The proportion of aphids initiating probing was the same on the lower surface of a potato leaf and on paper similar in color, indicating that the color of the substratum is determinant in the initiation of feeding for those aphids.