The epidemiology ofMetopolophium dirhodum and its natural enemies on winter wheat was studied from 1975 to 1979 inclusive. AlateM. dirhodum colonize wheat from the middle of May onwards. Immigration occurs until mid-June. Population growth rates ofM. dirhodum can be as high as or occasionally even higher than those ofSitobion avenae. InM. dirhodum alatae are formed in a high proportion throughout the epidemic whereas inS. avenae the % of alatae becomes high at the end. In both species most of these alatae seem to emigrate. Both species have a similar potential to become a pest.