Hyperomyzus lactucae

(Linnaeus, 1758)

Sowthistle Aphid, Blackcurrant-sowthistle Aphid

Hyperomyzus lactucae is a European in the Aphididae, 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 yellows virus and has been introduced to Australia as a pest of lettuce crops. 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.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Hyperomyzus lactucae: /hʌɪpəˈɹɒmɪzəs lækˈtjuːkiː/

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

Images

Habitat

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

Distribution

Native to Europe. Introduced 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) virginoparae occur; alatae generally have longer development time and lower than apterae under identical conditions.

Behavior

of honeydew is reduced when feeding on plants infected with sowthistle yellow virus. Wing development in potentially alatiform nymphs is affected by parasitization timing.

Ecological Role

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

Human Relevance

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