Aphidina

Latreille, 1802

Genus Guides

Aphidina is a subtribe of aphids within the Aphididae, established by Latreille in 1802. It encompasses numerous including economically significant and xerophilous . Members exhibit diverse , with some species amenable to genetic control methods due to their holocyclic heterogenetic . The subtribe includes species with specialized associations, particularly on Asteraceae, Chenopodiaceae, and Amaranthaceae.

Hysteroneura setariae by no rights reserved, uploaded by Jesse Rorabaugh. Used under a CC0 license.

Aphis spiraecola by no rights reserved, uploaded by Jesse Rorabaugh. Used under a CC0 license.

Aphis varians by (c) Jared Shorma, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jared Shorma. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Aphidina: /ˌæfɪˈdaɪnə/

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Habitat

range from temperate forests to arid and semi-arid environments. Xerophilous such as Xerobion inhabit clay, sandy, rocky, and saline deserts, as well as steppe and forest-steppe zones. Non-xerophilous members occupy diverse plant-based habitats associated with their .

Distribution

Widespread across the Palearctic region, from the Iberian Peninsula to the Russian Far East. Present in Central Asia (Kazakhstan), Europe, South America (Argentina), and other regions. Specific distribution varies considerably by and .

Seasonality

Activity patterns vary by and climate. Honeydew production in some species peaks in June and July, with daily maxima occurring in late afternoon or evening depending on species.

Diet

Phloem sap feeding on vascular plants. associations include Asteraceae, Chenopodiaceae, Amaranthaceae, Fabaceae, Nyctaginaceae, Tiliaceae, and Fagaceae. Many are narrow oligophagous or monophagous .

Host Associations

Asteraceae - primary for xerophilous Includes Artemisia, Seriphidium
Chenopodiaceae - primary for xerophilous
Amaranthaceae - Includes Atriplex
Fabaceae - Includes Adesmia, Robinia
Tiliaceae - Tilia
Fagaceae - Quercus
Nyctaginaceae - Bougainvillea

Life Cycle

include holocyclic heterogenetic forms with alternation of parthenogenetic and sexual , and anholocyclic parthenogenetic forms. Some are (holocyclic monoecious). occurs via produced by bisexual generations on primary , or by parthenogenetic generations. Fundatrices develop from gamogenetic eggs.

Behavior

Honeydew follows with -specific patterns. Excretion rates vary with plant site, season, and year. Molting interrupts honeydew production temporarily. Some species exhibit winged males in the bisexual , facilitating wider during mating.

Ecological Role

Honeydew production constitutes a significant carbon flux in some , with individual trees producing 2-50 kg dried honeydew substance annually. This resource supports honeydew-feeding insects and microorganisms.

Human Relevance

Some are economically significant agricultural pests. Genetic control methods (sterile male technique, incompatibility technique) are theoretically applicable to holocyclic heterogenetic species meeting specific biological requirements, offering potential for environmentally preserving pest management.

More Details

Taxonomic scope

The subtribe Aphidina includes diverse such as Aphis, Eucallipterus, Tuberculoides, Xerobion, Protaphis, and Brachyunguis, encompassing both widespread agricultural pests and specialized xerophilous .

Genetic control applicability

Genetic control methods are only applicable to holocyclic heterogenetic that overwinter exclusively via gamogenetic on primary and possess winged males. Species with parthenogenetic or anholocyclic are unsuitable for these methods.