Hyperomyzus lactucae

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Sowthistle Aphid, Blackcurrant-sowthistle Aphid

Hyperomyzus lactucae is a European in the , commonly known as the sowthistle aphid or blackcurrant-sowthistle aphid. The species exhibits a -alternating , utilizing Sonchus species (sowthistles) as primary hosts and Ribes nigrum (blackcurrant) as a secondary host. It is a known of lettuce necrotic virus and has been to Australia as a pest of lettuce . Development, survival, and are strongly influenced by temperature and , with faster development at higher temperatures within a range of approximately 12.5–24°C.

Hyperomyzus lactucae by no rights reserved, uploaded by Jesse Rorabaugh. Used under a CC0 license.Hyperomyzus lactucae by no rights reserved, uploaded by Jesse Rorabaugh. Used under a CC0 license.Hyperomyzus lactucae by no rights reserved, uploaded by Jesse Rorabaugh. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Hyperomyzus lactucae: /hʌɪpəˈɹɒmɪzəs lækˈtjuːkiː/

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Habitat

Primary plants are Sonchus (sowthistles), including Sonchus oleraceus. Secondary host is blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum). Agricultural settings include lettuce areas where the has been as a pest.

Distribution

to Europe. to Australia. Distribution records from the Azores (Corvo, Faial, Flores, São Miguel, Terceira).

Diet

Phloem sap from plants. Primary hosts: Sonchus (sowthistles). Secondary host: blackcurrant (Ribes nigrum).

Host Associations

  • Sonchus oleraceus - primary
  • Sonchus spp. - primary -level association with sowthistles
  • Ribes nigrum - secondary Blackcurrant; -alternating

Life Cycle

-alternating between primary hosts (Sonchus ) and secondary host (blackcurrant). Development time varies with temperature; notional development threshold estimated at approximately 2°C. Within 12.5–24°C, development speed increases with temperature. Embryonic conditions within the mother influence subsequent survival and development. Both (wingless) and (winged) occur; generally have longer development time and lower than under identical conditions.

Behavior

of is reduced when feeding on plants infected with sowthistle virus. development in potentially alatiform is affected by timing.

Ecological Role

feeding on phloem sap of plants. of lettuce necrotic virus. Host for Aphidius sonchi, which has been to Australia as a agent. by Aphidius sonchi is age-dependent; early- parasitization prevents host maturity, while later parasitization allows some .

Human Relevance

Agricultural pest on lettuce in Australia, where it lettuce necrotic virus. Controlled using growth regulators such as chlormequat chloride on blackcurrant. Subject of efforts using the Aphidius sonchi.

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