Schizaphis

Börner, 1931

Grass Aphids, Greenbug

Species Guides

Schizaphis graminum(greenbug)

Schizaphis is a of aphids in the Aphididae, superfamily Aphidoidea. Originally distributed in the Palaearctic region, several have been introduced worldwide. The genus contains more than 40 recognized species, with () being the most economically significant. Species in this genus are primarily associated with grasses and cereal crops, exhibiting varying degrees of specificity from monophagy to polyphagy.

Schizaphis by (c) Roman, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Roman. Used under a CC-BY license.

Schizaphis graminum usda (cropped) by Kent Loeffler. Used under a Public domain license.

Schizaphis graminum usda by Kent Loeffler. Used under a Public domain license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Schizaphis: //ˈskɪ.zə.fɪs//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Distribution

Originally native to the Palaearctic region. Some have been introduced to other parts of the world, including North America. occurs across Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, Central America, South America, and Oceania. GBIF records indicate presence in Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.

Diet

Phloem sap feeding on plants. show strong affinity for monocotyledon hosts, particularly grasses (Poaceae) and sedges (Cyperaceae). feeds on 109 host species across 54 and six .

Host Associations

Poaceae (grasses) - primary Strongest affinity for Schizaphis spp.
Cyperaceae (sedges) - primary Strong affinity
Triticum spp. (wheat) - Major crop for S. graminum
Sorghum bicolor (sorghum) - Preferred for North American of S. graminum
Avena sativa (oat) - for S. graminum
Hordeum vulgare (barley) - for S. graminum
Secale cereale (rye) - for S. graminum
Chaenomeles speciosa - Rosaceae for some
Typha capensis - Typhaceae

Ecological Role

Major insect pest of cereal grains causing direct and indirect crop injury. Some serve as for plant . Natural enemies include such as Lysiphlebus testaceipes.

Human Relevance

Significant agricultural pest, particularly (), which affects wheat, sorghum, and other cereal crops. Management strategies include , , monitoring systems (e.g., Glance 'n' Go), and chemical control within programs. Greenbugs have developed resistance to some in certain regions.

Similar Taxa

Sipha flava (yellow sugarcane aphid)Both are yellowish aphids feeding on grasses and sorghum, but yellow sugarcane aphid has rows of dark spots and short cornicles, and does not produce honeydew
Melanaphis sacchari (sugarcane aphid)Both feed on sorghum, but sugarcane aphid has black feet, , and cornicles, and produces large amounts of honeydew
Rhopalosiphum maidis (corn leaf aphid)Both occur on sorghum, but corn leaf aphid is dark bluish-green and typically feeds in the
Diuraphis noxia (Russian wheat aphid)Both are cereal aphids, but has a distinctive 'double-tailed' appearance from a projection above the cauda and lacks prominent cornicles

More Details

Host Plant Specificity

Schizaphis exhibit highly restrictive plant selection. Analysis of 40 species showed 40% monophagy, 30% oligophagy, and 30% polyphagy. Host plants are drawn almost exclusively from monocotyledons (94.77%), with glumiflorae (Cyperaceae and Poaceae) showing distinct affinity (87.11%).

Genomic Resources

-level assemblies are available for (476.1 Mb, 6 chromosomes, 24,368 protein-coding genes) providing insights into wing dimorphism and evolutionary genetics.

Invasive Species

Schizaphis piricola was recorded as the 103rd plant lice in Europe, discovered in Madrid, Spain via social network photography. This species lives on pears and alternates with aquatic plants during summer.