A study of aphids related to tobacco fields in Italy was conducted at four sites (Scafati, Mercato S. Severino, Lanciano, Bovolone) in the year 2001, with the support of the E.U. Tobacco Research Fund and the Italian Ministry of Agriculture (Tob-Res-Info 96/T/18 project). Flying forms were monitored with Moericke yellow traps from February to December and the species identified. The presence on tobacco plants was assessed visually on a seven point scale (1-7) on unsprayed plots of 400 m2 at Scafati and Bovolone and of 800 m2 at Mercato S. Severino and Lanciano. A total of 5,089 alatae were trapped and 57 species identified. At M.S. Severino 38% of the total captures was collected, followed by Scafati (37%), Bovolone (20%) and Lanciano (5%). Aphis was the most conspicuous group, with 5 species identified and 2,081 alatae collected. Aphis gossypii Glover was the most frequent species, totalling almost a quarter of the captures of its genus and roughly 10% of the total aphids, and was followed by Aphis spiraecola Patch and Myzus persicae (Sulzer) (4%) among the virus vector species. Monthly captures of aphid population increased from March to May, peaking in June and November. M. persicae , Macrosiphum euphorbiae , Aphis fabae , A. gossypii and Acyrthosiphon pisum were identified on tobacco plants, but only M. persicae was able to establish colonies. Other species can damage tobacco as potential vector viruses. Aphid presence on tobacco started in spring, generally peaking in June and July, declining thereafter to disappear in August.