Host acceptance by aphids: Probing and larviposition behaviour of the bird cherry-oat aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi on host and non-host plants

► All gynoparae of Rhopalosiphum padi started reproduction before phloem contact. ► Some 55% of winged virginoparae initiated first parturition before phloem contact. ► Most (90%) of wingless virginoparae contacted the phloem before first parturition. ► It appears that phloem contact is not a pre-requisite for reproduction in R. padi.