Pea Aphid (IMAGE) University of Miami Caption This species of aphid can be found as a pest on legumes and is represented by both pink and green color morphs. The aphids in these pictures are adult females, feeding on fava bean, the plant they are commonly cultured on in the laboratory. Survival on their nutritionally poor diet is supported by an ancient and obligate bacterial symbiosis with a bacterium called Buchnera. Aphid/Buchnera genome evolution has been intimate and includes examples of metabolic pathways shared between the two partners, and even loss of evolutionarily conserved pathways from one partner. Credit Tania Wyss, Wilson Lab, Department of Biology, University of Miami. Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.