SYSTEMATIC TREATMENT OF APHID GENERA
(in alphabetical order) R
One
Indian species on Rosa with some
characters of Chaetosiphon, but with spinulose head and 3 hairs
on first tarsal segments. Raychaudhuriaphis capitata Pramanick, Samanta & Raychaudhuri Apterae are pale, colour unrecorded; BL
c.1.2 mm. Alatae unknown. On Rosa
involucrata (= clinophylla) in India (Manipur).
Probably
only one species, with distinctive antennal sensoriation in alatae, and the
apterae on secondary hosts have a long hairy R IV+V. Affinities with other
genera of Fordini were discussed by Remaudière & Davatchi (1956). A
histological study of the galls (Álvarez et
al. 2014) groups it with Geoica
and Baizongia. Rectinasus buxtoni
Theobald Galls on Pistacia spp. (palaestina, khinjuk)
are spindle-shaped sacs, 3-5 cm long and red in colour when mature, at or
near the base of the main vein of a leaflet (fig. 126M).
Alatae (BL 2.9-2.5 mm, fig. 81C) are
produced in the third generation and leave the gall in September through
small longitudinal slits in the basal half. They start colonies on roots of
Compositae (Artemisia, Centaurea, Chondrilla, Helichrysum,
Scorzonera,
Silybum, Xanthium) and secondary host
populations are also recorded from Orobanche,
Citrus, Gossypium and Papaver
(Zumreoglu & Akbulut, 1984) and Poaceae (BMNH collection). Apterae on
secondary hosts are pale yellow; BL 2.2-3.3 mm (Plate 2e, Fig.31a,b). Alate sexuparae produced on secondary hosts have
secondary rhinaria distributed III c.60, IV 5-6. Roberti
(1939) redescribed the apterous exules and sexuparae, which have a very long
R IV+V bearing numerous hairs. Heteroecious holocyclic in southwest Asia
(Israel, Lebanon, Iran, Turkey), and populations on secondary hosts are
recorded from southern Europe (Italy, Serbia, Spain), North Africa (Algeria),
Kazakhstan, northern Caucasus, Transcaucasia, Dagestan and Turkmenistan.
Tizado Morales & Nieto Nafría (1993) provided further information on
secondary host populations. 2n = 26.
About 10 east Asian species having
aleyrodiform apterae with heavily sclerotized and reticulate dorsal cuticle.
On Ficus or Fagaceae. At least one
species forms galls on Distylium,
but the taxonomy and life cycle needs further investigation, and most species
are probably anholocyclic on Ficus
where primary hosts are scarce or uavailable.
Alatae are only known for two species. Yeh et al. (2008) reviewed the genus based largely on specimens
collected on various Ficus spp. in
Taiwan, and gave full species status to some of the forms previously regarded
as subspecies of R distylii (asymmetrica, fici, foveolatae, rotifera). Qiao et al. (2018) reviewed and keyed the species in China. Reticulaphis asymmetrica Hille
Ris Lambers & Takahashi Apterae
are elliptical, 1.5-2.0 times as long as wide, with irregular outline due to
expansion of pleural regions of prosoma; black with purplish-blue burnish,
without wax powder on body margin; BL 0.46-0.57 mm. On undersides of leaves
of Ficus septica in in hilly areas
of Taiwan, sometimes at high population densities, and on an undetermined Ficus sp. in Java (Yeh et al. 2008). The life cycle is
unknown. Reticulaphis distylii
(van der Goot) Galls on Distylium stellare in Java are conical
or fingertip-like, brownish-green when mature (Hille Ris Lambers &
Takahashi, 1959). The gall illustrated (as Schizoneuraphis distylii van der Goot) by Docters van
Leeuwen-Reijnvaan & Docters van Leeuwen (1926) seems to be another
species (see Noordam, 1991, p. 259). Alatae (BL 1.4-1.9mm), with ratio of ANT
III-V to head width 1.37-1.67 (cf. R.
mirabilis) and secondary rhinaria
distributed III 19-31, IV 7-12, V 4-10, abdomen dark green) are present in
the galls in October. Host alternation apparently occurs to Ficus spp. (Hille Ris Lambers &
Takahashi, 1959), but this still needs to be confirmed experimentally. Apterae regarded as R. distylii on Ficus
are broadly oval to almost circular, 1.1-1.3 times longer than wide, dark
brown to purplish-black, acquiring with age a fringe of wax; BL 0.6-0.8 mm.
Immature apterae are yellow-brown and active. Immature alatae on Ficus have a woolly wax fringe plus
long erect wax filaments; when adult they are dark violet-black, without wax.
R. distylii is probably widely distributed
in east and south-east Asia, and has been introduced on oriental fig trees
into southern Europe (Coeur d’acier et
al. 2010) and Australia (Brumley 2020). Its detailed distribution and the
range of Ficus spp. used as
secondary hosts still needs to be established due to confusion in the
literature with R . fici. Yeh et al. (2008) recorded it from F. microcarpa, F. altissima and F.
elastica in Taiwan. Zimmerman
(1948) provided a well-illustrated account of an aphid under this name in
Hawaii. Reticulaphis fici (Takahashi) Apterae are broadly oval, about 1.25-1.4
times longer than wide, purplish black and becoming fully surrounded by an
extensive fringe of wax; BL 0.8-0.9 mm. On undersides of leaves of Ficus spp. (including superba, elastica) in east and south-east Asia (China, Taiwan, Japan,
Java, Philippines). The life cycle is
unknown, but presumably many populations are anholocyclic. Reticulaphis foveolatae (Takahashi) Apterae are elliptical, about 1.8 times
longer than wide, black with purplish-blue burnish, with thick, strongly
curved pale yellow marginal hairs but no marginal wax; BL only 0.4-0.6 mm. On
undersides of leaves of Ficus foveolata
(= sarmentosa) in Japan, on F. sarmentosa and Ficus
sp. in Taiwan, and on F. benjamina
in Java (Yeh et al. 2008). Other
morphs and life cycle are unknown. Reticulaphis inflata Yeh
& Hsu Apterae are oval to
elliptical, about 1.5 times longer than wide, black with purplish-blue
burnish, with some marginal wax; BL 0.5-0.7 mm. On undersides of leaves of Ficus microcarpa in China (Hong Kong,
Yunnan) and Taiwan (Yeh et al.
2008), and introduced to Western Australia (first record 1997, on F. benjamina; Brumley 2020). Other
morphs and life cycle unknown. Reticulaphis mirabilis
(Takahashi) Apterae are oval, black
with purplish-blue burnish, about 1.4 times longer than wide, strongly
sclerotized, without marginal wax; BL 0.5-0.7 mm. Attached firmly to
undersides of leaves of Ficus irisana (=
ampelas), F. ?virgata and Ficus sp. in Taiwan (Takahashi, 1939a;
Yeh & Hsu 2008), and also recorded from Thailand (Tao, 1966). Alatae have
BL 1.1-1.3 mm, with ratio of ANT III-V to head width 1.02-1.14 (cf. R. distylii),
and secondary rhinaria distributed ANT III 15-19, IV 4-5, V 2-4. The life
cycle is unknown. Reticulaphis rotifera Hille
Ris Lambers & Takahashi Apterae
are broadly oval, about 1.25 times longer than wide, black with purplish-blue
burnish, with marginal wax (see aphids
of Karnataka website – although the identity of this Indian population
needs to be confirmed); BL 0.5-0.6 mm. On undersides of leaves of Ficus virgata in Taiwan, and also
recorded from F. ?pruniformis = ? depressa) in Java, and from F.
religiosa in southern India. Other morphs and life cycle are unknown.
[Aphids collected from Quercus sp.
in India, identified as R. distylii
rotifera (Raychaudhuri et al., 1980c; A.K. Ghosh 1988) are
evidently a different, probably undescribed, species.] Reticulaphis septica Yeh
& Hsu Apterae are very small,
oval, 1.3-1.4 times as long as wide, black with purplish-blue burnish,
without marginal wax; BL c. 0.5 mm. On undersides of leaves of Ficus septica, sometimes reaching high
densities on mature leaves, in
Taiwan (Yeh et al. 2008). Other
morphs and life cycle are unknown. Reticulaphis shiiae
Takahashi Apterae are oval, black,
with black legs; BL 0.7-0.9 mm. On leaves of Castanopsis cuspidata in Japan (Takahashi, 1958a). Aphids from an
unidentified host in India were also identified as this species (A.K. Ghosh
1988). Other morphs and life cycle are unknown. Reticulaphis similis Hille
Ris Lambers & Takahashi Described
as a subspecies of R distylii based
on one sample on the underside of a mature leaf of Ficus benjamina in Java. Regarded by Yeh et al. (2008) as incertae
sedis because of the poor quality of the available specimens.
One
species in Central Asia (Afghanistan) with affinities to Eucarazzia and Klimazewskia,
but with a different combination of characters (see Kanturski &
Stekolshchikov 2018). Rhinariaphis tuberculata Kanturski & Stekolshchikov Colour of apterae in life unknown; BL
1.9-2.8 mm. On Lophanthus pinetorum ( = Nepeta cabulica)
in Afghanistan (Kanturski
& Stekolshchikov 2018).
Other morphs and biology are unknown.
One
species differing from Acyrthosiphon and
Metopolophium in its scabrous
antennal tubercles, and from Aulacorthum
in having secondary rhinaria along the whole length of ANT III and lack
of dorsal pigmentation in alatae. An account was given by Heie (1994). Rhodobium porosum (Sanderson) Plate 24b Apterae are yellow to yellow-green,
rather shiny, with brown head; BL 1.2-2.5 mm. Alatae have a bright green
abdomen with no dorsal markings. On Rosa spp., esp. cultivated
varieties, and Fragaria spp. Perhaps North American in origin, now
widely distributed. Monoecious holocyclic in North America, with oviparae and
alate males occurring on both Rosa and Fragaria (MacGillivray
1963a), but the yellow form on Fragaria in North America is possibly a
distinct species. R. porosum is also holocyclic on Rosa in parts
of Europe (Müller & Steiner 1988b), but generally anholocyclic on
cultivated roses in glasshouses, or outside in warmer climates. 2n=14.
One Rhododendron-feeding species with a sclerotic dorsum, a
long rostrum with hairy R IV+V, spinulose tarsi, and siphunculi with distal
swelling. Barjadze & Özdemir
(2014) provided a key distinguishing apterae from those of other Rhododendron-feeding aphids with
spinulose tarsi. Rhododendraphis tuatayae Barjadze & Özdemir
Colour of apterae in life is unknown, probably brown or black; BL
1.4-1.7 mm. Apterae have 3-8 secondary rhinaria on distal part of ANT III,
alatae are unknown. On an unidentified species of Rhododendron in north-eastern
Turkey. Other morphs and life cycle are unknown..
Nine
species with clavate siphunculi, small but evident antennal tubercles, and alatae
with secondary rhinaria on both ANT III and IV. Apterae are similar to those
of Myzus, Neotoxoptera,
and Dysaphis (Pomaphis). Those with known life cycles mostly alternate between Lonicera and Poaceae in the temperate
northern hemisphere. Accounts are available for Europe (Hille Ris Lambers
1953, Heinze 1960, Heie 1994, Blackman 2010), Central Asia (Narzikulov &
Umarov 1969), and North America (Palmer 1952, in Rhopalosiphum). Rhopalomyzus alaica Mukhamediev & Akhmedov
Apterae (fundatrices) are dark brown with brown cauda and paler
siphunculi; BL 2.2-2.7 mm. On Lonicera microphylla in Central Asia.
The second generation are apparently all alate, migrating to an unknown
secondary host. Oviparae and alate males occur in late September-October
(Mukhamediev & Akhmedov 1982). Rhopalomyzus codonopsidis Umarov
Apterae are very pale, translucent white; BL c.1.6-1.8mm. Alatae have
numerous secondary rhinaria distributed III c.60-64, IV 28-30, V 13-14. On Codonopsis clematidea in Tajikistan and
Kazakhstan, and also recorded from this host in Pakistan (Naumann-Etienne
& Remaudière 1995). Heteroecious holocyclic with a sexual phase on Lonicera; Kadyrbekov (2002e) collected oviparae and alate males on L. korolkovii in Kazakhstan in early
October that he attributed to this species, and he has also reported it from L. tatarica (Kadyrbekov 2017a).. Rhopalomyzus grabhami (Cockerell)
Apterae on grasses are greenish black, slightly shiny, with dark
appendages; BL 1.4-1.7 mm. At bases of stems of unidentified grasses
(laboratory-reared on Poa annua;
Hille Ris Lambers 1966). In western North America. Heteroecious holocyclic
with sexual phase on Lonicera,
where fundatrices and their alate progeny roll leaves in spring and cause
bright red-yellow blotches. Rhopalomyzus hissarica Narzikulov
Apterae (fundatrices) are dark green; BL 2.0-2.2 mm. On Lonicera spp. in Central Asia. Alatae
have secondary rhinaria distributed ANT III 43-46, IV 22-23, V 5-6. Mukhamediev & Akhmedov (1982) discussed
its biology. Rhopalomyzus (Judenkoa) lonicerae (Siebold) Apterae (fundatrices) are dark green with
dark head, antennae, legs, siphunculi and cauda, the body powdered with
greyish wax; BL 2.0-2.6 mm. On leaves of Lonicera
in spring, rolling leaves towards undersides and causing yellow and red
spots. Heteroecious holocyclic, migrating in second generation to grasses,
esp. Phalaris arundinacea, where it
is a pale yellowish aphid forming dense colonies on leaves (see
influentialpoints.com/Gallery). Sexuales commonly occur in autumn on Symphoricarpos in north-west Europe
(Heie 1994), although it is not known if the life cycle can be completed on
that plant. In Europe, Central Asia, west and east Siberia, and North
America. 2n=12. Rhopalomyzus narzikulovi Mukhamediev & Akhmedov
Apterae are matt green, lightly dusted with grey wax powder; BL
2.3-2.6 mm. In spring colonies on Lonicera bracteolaris and L. nummularifolia in Central Asia. The secondary host is
possibly Bunium persicum. Gynoparae and alate males return in
September (Mukhamediev & Akhmedov 1982). Rhopalomyzus poae (Gillette)
Plate 18d Apterae
on grasses are reddish brown , dark brown or blackish, wax-powdered on
underside, with dusky/dark appendages; BL 1.3-1.8 mm. On basal parts of grasses (Agrostis, Dactylis, Festuca, Glyceria, Phalaris, Poa), often on etiolated stems under
stones. In Europe, USA, and there are also records from Kazakhstan, Pakistan,
Bolivia, Peru and Argentina. Heteroecious holocyclic with sexual phase on Lonicera, all progeny of the fundatrix
being alate. Anholocyclic in mild climates. Wood-Baker (1970) provided biological
notes. Rhopalomyzus smilacis (Matsumura)
Apterae are (probably) dirty yellow; BL c. 3 mm. On upper parts of
shoots of Smilax china and Viburnum sp. in Japan. This species
has not been identified since the original description (1918), which is insufficient
for it to be included in keys. Its generic position and true host plant are
also uncertain. Rhopalomyzus tianshanica Narzikulov
Apterae are green. On Lonicera spp.
in Central Asia. Oviparae and alate males occur in early October (Mukhamediev
& Akhmedov 1982).
About
20 species with well‑developed antennal tubercles, large and strongly
clavate siphunculi, and a short triangular cauda, living on a variety of plants
but occurring particularly in cryptic habitats in the summer. Several
species have host alternation, with primary hosts in several families
(Caprifoliaceae, Hydrangeaceae, Staphyleaceae). Ten species are from India and the Far East, six
are European, and three are known only from North America. Accounts are
available for Europe (Hille Ris Lambers 1953, Heinze 1961, Heie 1994,
Blackman 2010), Siberia (Pashchenko 1988a), Japan (Miyazaki 1971), India
(Bhattacharya & Chakrabarti 1982), and North America (Smith &
Knowlton 1977). Rhopalosiphoninus (Pseudorhopalosiphoninus) calthae
(Koch) Apterae are shining brownish black (see
influentialpoints.com/Gallery); BL 2.1-3.0 mm. On undersides of leaves of Caltha palustris growing in the shade
in Europe, where all the numerous collections have been from this host.
However, in eastern Kazakhstan it has now been reported to occur on Aconitum leucostomum (Kadyrbekov
2009a). Monoecious holocyclic with oviparae and apterous males on C. palustris in August (Finland) to
October (Netherlands, Hille Ris Lambers 1953). Rhopalosiphoninus celtifoliae Shinji (Fig.61b,c) Colour of apterous fundatrices in life is
unknown (alatae are yellowish orange with black dorsal patch); BL (of fundatrix) 3.0-3.2 mm. On Deutzia, Diervilla and Weigela in
spring, migrating in second generation to an unknown secondary host (Miyazaki
1971). (It was originally described from Prunus
pseudocerasus, but this is unlikely to be a host.) Only known from Japan. Rhopalosiphoninus deutzifoliae Shinji
Apterae are green, with antennae and legs pale darkened apically, and
dark siphunculi and cauda; BL 2.4-2.7 mm. Spring populations occur on leaves
and stems of Hydrangeaceae (Deutzia,
Hydrangea, Philadelphus), and also apparently Weigela coraeensis (Caprifoliaceae; Moritsu 1983), curling the
leaves, and migrating to an unknown secondary host. Alatae have a large black
dorsal patch and 12-20 secondary rhinaria on ANT III only. In Japan, China and east Siberia.
This is possibly the primary host form of the widely distributed anholocyclic
bulb and potato pest Rh. latysiphon (q.v). Rhopalosiphoninus ehretis
Bhattacharya & Chakrabarti Colour
in life is not recorded, probably apterae are pale; BL 1.9-2.1 mm. Forming
spiral leaf-rolls in spring on Ehretia
acuminata in Uttar Pradesh, India (Bhattacharya & Chakrabarti 1982).
It is also recorded from Schisandra
grandiflora (Chakrabarti & Sarkar 2001). Alatae have a brown dorsal abdominal patch.
The life cycle is unknown. Rhopalosiphoninus elsholtze Chakrabarti & Medda Colour of apterae in life is unrecorded:
BL 1.5-1.8 mm. On Elsholtzia fruticosa in
Uttar Pradesh, India. Alatae are undescribed, and sexual morphs and life
cycle are unknown. Rhopalosiphoninus (Submegoura) heikinheimoi (Börner) Apterae are very dark brown to almost
black, slightly shiny; BL 2.0-2.8 mm. On Vicia
cracca and Lotus corniculatus,
at stem bases close to ground usually hidden by tall grass or leaves. In
northern and central Europe. Monoecious holocyclic with oviparae and apterous
males in October (Hille Ris Lambers 1953). Rhopalosiphoninus hydrangeae (Matsumura)
Apterae are pale to dull yellow, sometimes with a greenish tinge; BL
c.2.3-2.4 mm. On Hydrangea spp. in
Japan and east Siberia. Monoecious holocyclic, with oviparae and alate males
in October (Miyazaki 1971). 2n=12. Rhopalosiphoninus indicus L.K. Ghosh
Colour in life is unrecorded, probably brown; BL 1.4-1.9 mm. On roots
of Zea mays in Himachal Pradesh,
India. It needs to be confirmed that this species is not synonymous with R. latysiphon. Rhopalosiphoninus latysiphon (Davidson) Bulb‑and‑Potato Aphid Plate 21a Apterae are shiny dark olive green
with very striking swollen shiny black siphuculi; BL 1.4‑2.5 mm. Alatae
have shiny olive‑green to black dorsal abdominal markings. On bulbs (Tulipa, Gladiolus) and potato (Solanum
tuberosum) tubers in store, and on roots of many plants, especially in
clay soils (e.g. potato crops), or on etiolated stems or runners growing in
darkness under stones (e.g. Bromus
sterilis, Convolvulus arvensis,
Potentilla anserina, Vinca major, Urtica spp.). Throughout Europe and in Egypt, Rwanda, Kenya,
South Africa, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Japan, China and east
Siberia (? ‑ see below), Australia, New Zealand, and North, Central and
South America. Anholocyclic, overwintering on stored bulbs and potatoes in
cold temperate regions; sexual morphs are not recorded. However, it is
possible that Rhopalosiphoninus
deutzifoliae (q.v.) on Hydrangaceae in Japan and east Siberia is the
primary host form. Rh. latysiphon ssp. panaxis Zhang, described from Panax quinquefolium in China (Qiao & Zhang 1999c) appears to be a
synonym. See also Blackman &
Eastop (2000). 2n = 6 ( + 1). Rhopalosiphoninus longisetosus Chakrabarti & Ghosh Apterae are unknown, alatae have BL c.2.7
mm. Described from an unidentified plant, the original description comprising
an alate female, an alate male and 15 oviparae collected in December in
Himachal Pradesh, India. There is a subsequent host record from Elsholtzia flava, which is possibly
the secondary host, in Uttar Pradesh in October (Chakrabarti & Sarkar
2001). Rhopalosiphoninus maianthemi Stroyan
Colour of apterae is unknown,
probably yellow-green with dark sclerotic parts; BL c.1.8-2.0 mm. On roots of
Maianthemum bifolium in Italy, and
Austria (BMNH collection, leg. R.N.B. Prior). Monoecious holocyclic, with
oviparae and alate males in early September (original description). Rhopalosiphoninus ribesinus (van der Goot) Apterae are dull reddish brown to
brownish black, with black siphunculi (see
influentialpoints.com/Gallery); BL 2.2-3.0 mm. Alatae have only marginal and intersegmental
sclerites, and secondary rhinaria distributed III 40-60, IV 6-16, V 0-1. On
old canes of Ribes rubrum, and
sometimes on R. nigrum, close to
the ground in rather damp and shady places, or on young shoots and leaves. In
Europe and west Siberia. Monoecious holocyclic with apterous males (Hille Ris
Lambers 1953). Rhopalosiphoninus smilacifoliae (A.K. Ghosh & Raychaudhuri) Described from a single, possibly
vagrant, alata collected on Smilax sp.
in Sikkim, India. Rhopalosiphoninus solani (Thomas)
Apterae are dark green tinged with brown, with black siphunculi and
cauda (Wilson 1915, as Amphorophora
subterrans); BL 1.6-2.1 mm. Originally described from tomato, but if Amphorophora subterrans is indeed a
synonym then this species feeds subterraneously on the roots of Dactylis glomerata. It is widely distributed in North America
(Smith & Parron 1978). Rhopalosiphoninus staphyleae
(Koch) Plate 21b Apterae on Staphylea in spring are yellowish-white or pale yellow with a
translucent whitish spot on anterior part of dorsal abdomen; BL 2.3-3.0 mm.
They cause the leaves to curl and become mottled pale yellow. R. staphyleae s. str. is heteroecious
holocyclic; alatae, with a large black dorsal abdominal patch, migrate from
late May onwards to found colonies particularly on Liliaceae and Iridaceae (Tulipa, Hemerocallis, Crocus, Anthericum), and also sometimes on roots or etiolated
parts of plants
in at least eleven other families (e.g. Anemone,
Capsella, Cardamine, Dentaria, Lamium, Oxalis, Vinca),
as well as records from trees (e.g. Forbes & Chan 1989), and grasses
(e.g. Wood-Baker 1970). Apterae on
secondary hosts, and also in populations remaining through summer on Staphylea, are much more pigmented
than the spring generations; dark olive green or brownish with very dark green or black dorsal
markings.
The holocycle is only recorded from Europe, but anholocyclic populations of staphyleae group are almost
cosmopolitan (see Blackman & Eastop 2000, p. 331). In Europe - and
possibly introduced to North America -
there is a form usually regarded as a subspecies, Rh. staphyleae ssp. tulipaellus
Theobald, the Mangold Aphid, which
is particularly a pest of stored mangold beets (Beta vulgaris), but is also recorded from
the roots of a wide range of other plant genera including Galium, Lycopersicon, Rumex, Tulipa and Viola. There is evidence that this form may have a sexual phase
without migration to Staphylea in
continental Europe (see Blackman 2010), and may justifiably be treated as a
separate species, but further investigation is needed to clarify the life
cycle and genetic relationships. 2n = 10. Rhopalosiphoninus tiliae
(Matsumura) Apterae on Tilia in spring are yellowish-green with
brownish antennae and mainly black legs and siphunculi; BL 2.7-3.0mm. On the
undersides of young leaves, which become curled (Miyazaki 1971). Heteroecious
holocyclic; alatae with a large black dorsal abdominal patch migrate from
early June onwards to found colonies on leaves and flower-stems of Adenocaulon himalaicum (Miyazaki
1985). In Japan, eastern Russia (Pashchenko 1984a) and north-west China (G. Zhang 1999). 2n
= 12 (Shinji 1941, as nobukii).
About
15 species associated with Prunus or Pyroideae as primary hosts, and Poaceae,
Cyperaceae, or more rarely other plants as secondary hosts. Most Rhopalosiphum and the viruses that
they transmit probably originate from North America (Halbert & Voegtlin
1998), with a subsidiary centre in Asia (R.
maidis and R. rufiabdominale), where the
taxonomic situation has not been sufficiently investigated. Previously many
other species with rather short, slightly swollen siphunculi were included in
Rhopalosiphum., including genera
now placed in Macrosiphini (e.g. Hyadaphis,
Lipaphis, Rhopalomyzus). Rhopalosiphum
is closely related to Melanaphis
and Schizaphis, and the limits of
these three genera are not clearly defined. Skvarla et al. (2019) used multivariate morphometrics to confirm numerous
synonymies within the genus. Accounts are available for Britain (Stroyan
1972b, 1984), north-west Europe (Heie, 1986), Iberian peninsula (Nieto Nafría
et al. 2005a), north-east India
(Raychaudhuri 1980), east Siberia (Pashchenko 1988a), Japan (Takahashi 1965c,
Torikura 1991), Australia (Eastop 1966), Canada (Richards 1960), and North
America (Richards 1962). Rhopalosiphum cerasifoliae
(Fitch) (fig. 88E) Apterae in spring colonies are
pale yellowish to pale green with spinal, marginal and intersegmental lines
of darker green pigment and a dusting of wax; BL 2.0-2.5 mm. On leaves and
shoots of Prunus virginiana and P. pennsylvanica, distorting growing
tips and rolling the leaves. Heteroecious holocyclic; alatae migrate in
May-June to form colonies on stems of Cyperaceae (Schoenoplectus, Scirpus, Eleocharis).
Apterae on
secondary hosts are apple-green; BL c.2 mm. They are also
found on Juncus. Records from Carex
spp. need confirmation as Voegtlin & Halbert (1990) could not obtain
colonies on Carex despite extensive
transfer attempts. Populations sometimes also persist on the
primary host (Richards 1960). Oviparae on Prunus
in autumn are yellow with siphunculi pale-dusky (cf. R. padi). Widely distributed in North America. 2n = 8. Rhopalosiphum chusqueae Pérez
Hidalgo & Villalobos Muller
Apterae are brown with white spots of wax on abdomen; BL 2.2-2.7 mm.
On the bamboo Chusquea tomentosa in
Costa Rica, living close to the nodes and well protected by the leaves, so
not easily detectable (Pérez Hidalgo et
al. 2012a). Alatae and life cycle are unknown. Rhopalosiphum dryopterae Kan We have not seen the description of this
species, collected from Dryopteris
filix-mas in Kirghizia (Holman 2009). It is possibly a species of Dysaphis (Holman, cited in Halbert
& Voegtlin 1998). Rhopalosiphum enigmae Hottes & Frison Apterae are dark reddish brown to greenish
brown or dark green (see
influentialpoints.com/Gallery); BL 1.7-2.3 mm. Alatae have secondary rhinaria
distributed III 7-15, IV 0-3. On Typha spp., esp. T. latifolia, forming
colonies concealed within leaf sheaths, and also recorded from Sparganium sp. Widely distributed in
North America. Monoecious holocyclic
with alate males (Hottes & Frison 1931). Skvarla et al (2018) synonymised R.
laconae Taber with R. enigmae
and reported on its biology including associated ants, parasitoids and
predators. 2n=10. Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch) Corn
Leaf Aphid Plate 8i Apterae are rather elongate-bodied,
yellow‑green to dark olive green or bluish green, sometimes dusted with
wax, with short dark siphunculi (see aphids
of Karnataka website and/or influentialpoints.com); BL 0.9‑2.4 mm.
Alatae have secondary rhinaria distributed III 6-30, IV 0-14, V 0-5. On young
leaves of grasses in more than 30 genera including Avena, Hordeum, Oryza, Saccharum, Secale, Sorghum, Triticum and Zea, and
occasionally on Cyperaceae and Typhaceae. Asiatic in origin, R. maidis is now virtually
cosmopolitan. It is entirely anholocyclic in most parts of the world, being
unable to survive outdoors in regions with severe winter climates, although
males occur sporadically, and have been collected on Prunus sargentii
(=
sachalinensis) in Japan (Torikura
1991). It is
heteroecious holocyclic in Pakistan, with P.
cornuta as primary host (Remaudière & Naumann-Etienne 1991), and it
is also reported to have P. mume and
P. persica as primary hosts in
Korea (Lee et al. 2002c). On P. cornuta in Pakistan fundatrices and
their wax-powdered apterous progeny feed along veins on undersides of
deformed leaves, in mixed colonies with Myzus
cornutus. Alatae migrate to Poaceae before the end of May. This is probably the
most important aphid pest of cereals in tropical and warm temperate climates,
and there is an extensive literature; see Blackman & Eastop (2000,
p. 332-3).
The genome sequence was analysed by Chen et
al. (2019) and compared with that of Acyrthosiphon
pisum by Y. Li et al. (2020). Csorba
et al. (2021) studied biodiversity
of its endosymbionts on maize. 2n =
8, 9, and 10; there is an association between karyotype and host plant, the
barley-colonizing form in the northern hemisphere having 2n = 10, whereas
populations on maize and sorghum have 2n = 8 (Brown & Blackman 1988,
Blackman & Brown 1991). Rhopalosiphum musae
(Schouteden) Apparently heteroecious
between Prunus and marsh or water
plants (e.g. Scirpus) in US Rocky
Mountain region from Washington to Colorado. Oviparae and alate males were
described from Prunus besseyi in
Colorado in October-November (Gillette and Palmer, 1932; as scirpifolii), and some sexuales
collected along with gynoparae on P.
subcordata in Oregon in October (BMNH collection, leg. L.G. Gentner)
agree well with that description. However, the spring generations have not
been described, so we are not able to include this species in the key to Prunus aphids. R. musae was originally described from a glasshouse population on
Musa ensete in Belgium. Specimens
from presumably anholocyclic populations on secondary hosts in Cyperaceae (Scirpus), Musaceae (Musa, Ensete) and Strelitziaceae (Strelitzia), or trapped
alatae identified as this species, are recorded from England, Germany, Iran,
Rhodesia, Tanzania and Australia (BMNH collection). Apterae on secondary hosts are dark brown to
greenish black, sometimes with orange spots at bases of SIPH; BL 2.0-2.3 mm. Rhopalosiphum nigrum
Richards Apterae in spring colonies on
Crataegus sp(p). are dark green to
blue-black, usually dusted with wax; BL 1.7-2.2 mm. Heteroecious holocyclic;
alatae migrate in late May-early July to grasses and sedges in damp
situations (Richards 1960); identified hosts are Zizania aquatica and Alisma sp. (BMNH collection, leg. A
Hsu).
Apterae on
secondary hosts are green with reddish blotches around the bases of the
siphunculi; BL 1.3-2.2 mm. In
Canada (Ontario, Manitoba), and there are unconfirmed records from USA
(Oregon, Utah). Rhopalosiphum nymphaeae (L.) Water Lily Aphid (fig. 88D) Apterae are reddish brown to dark olive, dusted
with light grey wax, especially on abdominal tergites 1-4 (see
influentialpoints.com/Gallery); BL 1.6‑2.9 mm. Alatae are shining
brown-black with white wax dorsal markings, and have secondary rhinaria
distributed III 14-24, IV 0-8, V 0. Colonies occur on a large variety of water plants (Alisma, Butomus, Callitriche, Echinodorus, Euryale, Juncus, Lemna, Nelumbo, Nuphar, Nymphaea, Potamogeton, Sagittaria, Sparganium, Spirodela,
Triglochin, Typha, etc.), with
some ability to survive underwater. Heteroecious holocyclic, with a sexual
phase on Prunus spp. Spring
colonies feed on young twigs, leaf petioles and fruit stalks of
various Prunus spp. (domestica, insititia, spinosa,
etc.), curling the leaves and attended
by ants. Spring migrant alatae fly to secondary hosts in May-June. R. nympheae is almost cosmopolitan, and has been used for biological control of
water weeds in rice (Oraze & Grigarick 1992). Genetic diversity in the
eastern Baltic region and elsewhere was studied by Rakauskas et al. (2014b). Performance on
different species of duckweed was investigated by Subramanian & Turcotte
2020). Bionomics and control on aquatic vegetables in India was studied by
Halder et al. (2020). See
also Blackman & Eastop 2000. 2n = 8 (Russia, Kuznetsova & Shaposhnikov,
1973, and Italy (Blackman & Eastop 1994) or 16 (India, Behura &
Bohidar, 1978, and Kurl, 1986b); the difference warrants further
investigation. Rhopalosiphum oxyacanthae (Schrank)
( = insertum Walker) Apple-Grass Aphid Apterae in
spring colonies are rather shiny, bright green to yellow-green with a dark
green spinal stripe (see influentialpoints.com/Gallery); BL 2.1-2.6 mm. They curl
young leaves of Pyroideae (Cotoneaster,
Crataegus, Malus, Pyrus, Sorbus and sometimes Cydonia and Mespilus). It may also occasionally form colonies on suckers of Prunus spp. Heteroecious holocyclic;
alate spring migrants (with secondary rhinaria distributed ANT III 12-21, IV
2-11, V 0-6) fly in late May-June to found colonies on subterranean parts of
various Poaceae (Agropyron, Agrostis, Alopecurus, Dactylis, Festuca, Glyceria, Phalaris, Poa, Triticum),
although colonies may persist into summer on primary hosts. Apterae on grasses in
summer are yellowish green with yellowish‑brown head and pronotum and
dusky to dark‑brown siphunculi, BL 1.1‑2.0 mm. They are attended
by ants.
In Europe, North Africa (Tunisia; Boukhris-Bouhachem
et al.
2007), the Azores, south-west and central Asia, and Japan (Torikura 1991);
possibly originating from North America (where for many years the name fitchii was used for this species on
its primary hosts). In Australia and New Zealand on grasses and maize there
are two closely-related taxa (Rhopalosiphum
sp. “near insertum” and “sp. x”
respectively) of unclear genetic and geographical origins (Valenzuela et al. 2009b); in New Zealand apterae
of this group have been collected on apple in spring, and oviparae and
gynoparae of “R. near insertum” have been found on Sorbus. Vidano (1959) published a
detailed account of the life cycle of R.
oxyacanthae in Italy. Evenhuis (1968) studied its natural control and the
role of a parasitoid in apple orchards. Aphids resembling R. oxyacanthae and with similar host associations in Central
America may be the closely-related species R. sanguinarium (q.v.). See also Blackman & Eastop
2000, p. 332, as insertum. [The
name insertum (Walker) has been
used widely in the literature for this species, but we now follow Garcia
Prieto et al. (2004) in accepting
the validity of oxyacanthae.] 2n =
10. Rhopalosiphum padi
(Linnaeus) Bird Cherry‑Oat Aphid Plate 8g, fig.
88F Apterae
in spring colonies on Prunus are
pale green to dark green, brown or nearly black, with a rust-red patch around
base of each siphunculus, and a coating of mealy wax (see
influentialpoints.com/Gallery); BL 2.0-2.9 mm. Heteroecious
holocyclic; the primary host are bird-cherries, usually Prunus padus in Europe, feeding on undersides of young leaves
which become longitudinally rolled or folded to enclose the aphid colony. R. padi is normally very conservative
in its choice of primary host, but Kudirkaité-Akeliené & Rakauskas (2009)
found fundatrices on Syringa vulgaris
in Lithuania. In Japan the sexual phase occurs on P. padus, P. grayana
and P. ssiori (Torikura 1991). In
North America the main primary host is P.
virginiana and the leaf distortion may be less (Richards 1960). Alatae
(with secondary rhinaria distributed ANT III 12-33, IV 1-11, V 0-6) migrate
in May-June to numerous grasses and cereals, including all the major cereals and pasture
grasses,
and other monocots, but colonies may also persist into summer on Prunus, and the numerous records from other
Prunus spp. may be mainly the
result of secondary infestations. R.
padi is also
sometimes found on Cyperaceae, Iridaceae (especially Iris), Juncaceae, and Typhaceae, and in England it has been found
overwintering on dicots (Capsella, Stellaria). Apterae on secondary hosts
are broadly oval, green mottled yellowish green or olive green, or dark olive
to greenish black; often with rust‑coloured patches around the bases of
siphunculi (see
influentialpoints.com/Gallery); BL 1.2‑2.4 mm. Distribution
is now virtually cosmopolitan, anholocyclic populations occurring in warm
climates or where primary hosts are unavailable. Leather (1988) reviewed its
biology on P. padus in Europe.
Loxdale & Brookes (1988) and Sherlock et al. (1986) respectively studied
enzyme variation and elemental composition in holocyclic populations.
Tatchell & Parker (1990) studied selection of the primary host by return
migrants, and Nam & Hardie (2014) compared host acceptance of primary and
secondary hosts by different alate morphs. Delmotte (2001) discussed the origins of anholocycly in this species. DNA studies have shown
that the commonest anholocyclic lineages in Europe were derived by hybridisation
with another closely related species, as yet unknown (Delmotte et al. 2003). In recent
years there has been much work in France on the co-existence and genetic
interactions between different life-cycle forms of this species (e.g. Halkett
et al. 2008, Carter et al. 2012, Gilabert et al. 2015). The genetic diversity of introduced anholocyclic populations has been
studied in Australia by Valenzuela et
al. (2010b), and by Rubio-Meléndez et al. (2019) in Chile,
and that of mainly holocyclic populations in the eastern Baltic region by
Rakauskas et al. (2014b).
Transcriptome analysis has also been used to provide numerous polymorphic
markers for further studies of the population genetics of this species (Duan et al. 2017). See Blackman & Eastop (2000, pp.
333-4, and 2007) for other key references. 2n
= 8 (or sometimes 9; Hales & Cowan 1990). Rhopalosiphum padiformis Richards
Apterae are green, with large red patches around bases of siphunculi;
BL 1.4-2.2 mm. Distinguished from R.
padi and R. insertum by the
long, pointed hairs on the posterior abdominal tergites. Described from the
flower heads of Poa sp. in Canada
(British Columbia), subsequently found on wheat in Montana, USA. Probably
heteroecious holocyclic with sexual phase on woody Rosaceae; alate males were
obtained in a culture of the Montana population (T.W. Carroll & D.Yount,
pers. comm). 2n=10. Rhopalosiphum parvae Hottes & Frison Apterae are brownish yellow, reddish
brown or more rarely greenish yellow; BL 1.2-1.8 mm. Alatae have secondary
rhinaria distributed III 7-11, IV 0-2. Described from Carex sp. in Illinois, USA (as “variety” of R.
enigmae). A population feeding on
inflorescences of Scirpus (= Schoenoplectus)
lacustris in Sicily that agreed well with the original description was fully redescribed and
illustrated by Barbagallo
& Stroyan (1982). Rhopalosiphum rufiabdominale
(Sasaki) Rice Root Aphid
Plate 8h Apterae in spring
colonies on young leaves, stems and suckers of Prunus spp. (e.g. mume,
salicina, yedoensis) in east Asia
are reddish or greenish-brown with bluish-white mealy wax on sides of body
and forming dorsal cross-bands (Moritsu 1983); BL 2.0-2.6 mm. Rhodotypos scandens may also be used
as a primary host (Torikura 1991). Heteroecious holocyclic (Tanaka 1961);
alatae migrate in May-June to form colonies on underground parts of numerous
species of Poaceae, Cyperaceae and some dicots, particularly Solanaceae (potato, tomato,
capsicums).
Apterae on secondary hosts are olive green, dark green or brownish with
yellowish tints, with a rusty suffusion around bases of siphunculi and on
posterior dorsum (see aphids
of Karnataka website and influentialpoints.com/Gallery);
BL 1.2-2.8 mm. Alatae on secondary hosts normally have 5-segmented antennae
with secondary rhinaria distributed III 3-35, IV 0-4. It is a major pest of
rice (Yano et al. 1983; Blackman
& Eastop 2000, p. 334-5). Anholocyclic populations occur
throughout most of the world on secondary hosts, particularly in warmer
climates and in glasshouses, where it may be a pest on plants in hydroponic
cultivation, such as Cannabis.
However, early spring populations have recently been found on Prunus spp. (armeniaca, domestica)
in Italy (Rakauskas et al. 2015b),
indicating that a holocycle may now have been established in Europe. 2n=8. Rhopalosiphum rufulum
Richards Apterae in spring colonies on
Crataegus in Canada are mainly
maroon, mottled with green or yellow, with a pattern of mealy wax; BL 2.0-2.5
mm (Richards 1960). Presumably in Canada it is heteroecious holocyclic;
alatae (with secondary rhinaria distributed ANT III 12-23, IV 5-12, V 0-4)
leave Crataegus in May-June.
However, although collected from Crataegus
sp(p). in spring in Manitoba, Quebec, Ontario and New Brunswick, the
secondary host populations have until recently only been known from Europe
(UK, Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Italy, Latvia,
Lithuania), where large populations have often occurred since about 1970 on Acorus calamus (see Heie 1986).
Specimens from Acorus in USA
(Massachusetts, New York) and Canada in museum collections have however now
been identified as this species (Skvarla et
al. 2019). Alatae have also been trapped in Tunisia (Boukhris-Bouhachem et al. 2007). Apterae on Acorus are dark brown to black, with
dark appendages; BL 1.4-2.4 mm. Alatae produced on Acorus have secondary rhinaria distributed III 16-25, IV 7-13, V
1-4. Primary host populations had not until recently been observed in the
field in Europe, although gynoparae and alate males are produced in large
numbers in autumn, and oviparae developed and laid numerous eggs which
hatched to produce fundatrices on Crataegus
monogyna under insectary conditions (Stroyan 1972b). However, apterae
identified as this species were recently collected in July on a Crataegus sp. in Turkey (Şenol et al. 2014b). 2n=8. Rhopalosiphum sanguinarium McVicar
Baker Apterae are reddish with a
strong pulverulent wax secretion (cf. oxyacanthae).
On Crataegus pubescens in Mexico.
Progeny of alatae from Crataegus
have been successfully reared on grasses. Oviparae have been found on C. pubescens in Mexico in December,
and can be distinguished from those of oxyacanthae
(Remaudière
& Remaudière 1997, p. 309-310), but apart from the difference in life the
spring forms of the two species are almost indistinguishable.
One North American species on Potentilla originally described in Myzaphis, but with 2 hairs on first
tarsal segments (as opposed to 5 in Myzaphis).
Also, apterae have a wrinkled dorsum, and alatae have rhinaria on ANT V and
no solid dark dorsal abdominal patch. Richardsaphis
canadensis (Richards) Apterae are pale green to yellow; BL
c.1.5-1.6 mm. Alatae have secondary rhinaria distributed ANT III 6-13, IV
1-4, V 1-3. Described from Potentilla
fruticosa in Ontario, Canada, and Jensen (aphidtrek.org)
found oviparae and alate males on this host plant in September in New Mexico.
Kanturski et al. (2018b) provided
descriptions of all morphs.
One (or two) palaearctic species, resembling Nearctaphis but without marginal
abdominal tubercles, and the primary host is Prunus rather than Pyroideae. Roepkea marchali
(Borner) Plate 9f Apterae on Prunus are dirty yellowish-green to almost black, according to
the degree of dorsal sclerotisation; BL 1.5-2.3 mm. They feed in spring on the undersides of leaves of Prunus mahaleb, which become rolled
into broad tubes, inflated and yellowed. Alatae have a black dorsal abdominal
patch and antennae with numerous secondary rhinaria distributed III 56-76, IV
17-30, V (0-)2-6 (Patti & Barbagallo 1997). In southern Europe (France,
Italy) populations remain on P. mahaleb
throughout the summer and produce oviparae without host alternation, but at
least in Italy there is a partial migration, because summer colonies have
been found on Galeopsis angustifolia, and these produced alate gynoparae and males that migrated back
to Prunus (Barbagallo & Patti
1998). In eastern Europe and south-west Asia, host alternation to form
colonies in flower calyces of Lamiaceae (Stachys,
Phlomis) seems to be a more regular
occurrence. This eastern form, which is recorded from Crimea, Georgia,
Israel, Iran, Lebanon and Turkey, has a shorter antennal terminal process,
and the apterae on Prunus generally
have dark dorsal cross-bands rather than a completely sclerotic tergum. It
was treated as a subspecies by Hille Ris Lambers (1966a), who applied the
name R. marchali ssp. bathiaschvili Abashidze. However, this
name was regarded as a nomen nudum
by Remaudière & Remaudière (1997), so if the eastern form should prove to
be distinct then another name may have to be found. Apterae on
secondary hosts are smaller, dirty yellow-green (moss-coloured), with
variably-developed olive-green dorsal markings, and have BL 1.2-1.7 mm. 2n
= 12.
One species on Rhododendron
in China with a very long hairy R IV+V. Rostratusaphis rhododendronitos Fang
& Qiao Apterae are black in life
with some wax powder, BL 1.0-1.8 mm. The single described alata has secondary
rhinaria distributed ANT III 6, IV 2. In colonies on young branches of Rhododendron simsii in Guizhou
Province, south-west China (Fang & Qiao 2009). The life cycle is unknown.
One species on Rubus
in Central Asia, differing from other Macrosiphini in having the spiracles on
the first and second abdominal segments well separated. Rubiaphis altica Stekolshchikov
& Novgorodova Apterae are pale,
semitransparent, BL 0.7-0.9 mm. On Rubus
idaeus, feeding singly on the undersides of the leaves along the veins. In the Altai Republic, Russia
(Stekolshchikov & Novgorodova 2020). The life cycle is unknown.
One species in Japan, resembling Aphis in its general appearance and arrangement
of marginal tubercles, but with numerous marginal hairs on abdominal
segments, with somewhat developed antennal tubercles, giving the front of the
head a concave outline in dorsal view, and with secondary rhinaria on ANT III
(and sometimes IV) in apterae. Ryoichitakahashia
prunifoltae (Shinji) Apterae
are broad-bodied, rather dull reddish-black with banded antennae, central
sections of tibiae pale and jet black siphunculi (see Moritsu 1983, as Macchiatiella ilexis); BL 2.1-2.2 mm.
In dense colonies on stems of Ilex serrata (var. sieboldii) in Japan. Alatae have a black dorsal abdominal patch.
The nomenclature is confused; Hille Ris Lambers (1965) pointed out that this
aphid was illustrated by Shinji (1941) under the name Anuraphis celastri. The life cycle is unstudied; oviparae were
collected on Ilex in early November
(BMNH collection, leg. M. Sorin), but it is not known whether host
alternation occurs. |