Ceruraphis

Börner, 1926

Viburnum-Sedge Aphids

Species Guides

2

Ceruraphis is a of aphids in the Aphididae, established by Börner in 1926. The genus includes that exhibit alternation between primary hosts (Viburnum species) and secondary hosts in wet . Ceruraphis eriophori, the type species, induces leaf curling on Viburnum hosts and has been recorded from Europe and North America.

Ceruraphis viburnicola by (c) Barry Cottam, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Barry Cottam. Used under a CC-BY license.Ceruraphis eriophori (Wayfaring tree - sedge aphid) - alates ^ oviparae - Flickr - S. Rae by S. Rae from Scotland, UK. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.Ceruraphis eriophori (Wayfaring tree - sedge aphid) - nymphs - Flickr - S. Rae by S. Rae from Scotland, UK. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Ceruraphis: //ˌsɛrʊˈræfɪs//

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Images

Habitat

Associated with curled leaves of Viburnum (primary ) in spring and autumn; secondary include wetlands supporting sedges, rushes, and cattails.

Distribution

Europe (including Denmark, Norway, Sweden); North America (New Brunswick, Canada; Colorado, USA).

Seasonality

Active in spring and autumn on primary Viburnum ; host alternation implies presence on secondary hosts during intervening periods.

Diet

Phloem sap from plants.

Host Associations

  • Viburnum lantana - primary curled leaves
  • Viburnum opulus - primary curled leaves
  • Viburnum opulus var. roseum - primary synonymized as V. opulus var. sterile in some records
  • Carex spp. - secondary Europe only
  • Eriophorum spp. - secondary Europe only
  • Luzula spp. - secondary Europe only
  • Typha spp. - secondary Europe only
  • Cyperus virens - secondary only North American record

Life Cycle

Heteroecious with alternation: primary hosts are Viburnum where colonies induce leaf curling; secondary hosts are sedges, rushes, and related wetland plants. is ; viviparous females present.

Behavior

Induces leaf curling on primary Viburnum .

Ecological Role

Herbivore; gall-forming that manipulates plant tissue to create sheltered feeding sites.

Similar Taxa

  • NeoceruraphisFormerly congeneric; separated based on morphological and differences. Neoceruraphis viburnicola shares Viburnum primary but has unrecorded secondary hosts and differs in morphological features of the female.

Sources and further reading