[5] Young R. oxyacanthae can be distinguished from other aphids by the dark green stripe along their body and their rear cornicles.

As a nymph, R. oxyacanthae appears dark green with short cornicles at the end of its abdomen.

Third generation aphids will all have wings and will migrate from the apple trees around late spring.

[7] Today, R. insertum has been reported widely in North America, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and parts of Ireland.

[5][9][10][3] These aphids have adapted to have develop multiple morphs, a term called polyphenism, to deal with competition for plant resources.

[7] Humans have also pressured R. oxyacanthae into adaptations against pesticides and other methods to cease their infestations.

[3] Winged males will typically feed on the roots of grasses, while nymphs stay on leaves.

[7] While the damage can be very minimal in low populations, an infestation of R. oxyacanthae can affect crop production and lead to economic losses for humans.