Aphis varians

Patch, 1914

Aphis varians is an described by in 1914. Research has demonstrated that this species employs as an effective anti- strategy, with individuals benefiting from reduced per risk when grouped together. The species serves as for the convergent Hippodamia convergens, with which it has been studied in predator-prey interaction research.

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 Aphis varians: /ˈeɪfɪs ˈvɛəriənz/

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Behavior

Forms as an effective anti- strategy. Aggregated experience reduced individual risk through three mechanisms: predator confusion effects, dilution of risk among colony members, and enhanced predator . Aphid movement is congregative, with individuals tending to remain within clumps of . The benefit of clumping is predator-dependent; aggregation provides survival advantages only when predators are present.

Ecological Role

Serves as for the convergent Hippodamia convergens. The -prey interaction between Aphis varians and H. convergens has been used as a model system to study how prey affects risk and .

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