Macrosiphoniella millefolii

(De Geer, 1773)

Yarrow Aphid

Macrosiphoniella millefolii is an in the Aphididae, commonly known as the Yarrow Aphid. It is a herbivore associated with yarrow (Achillea millefolium) and related plants in the Asteraceae family. The species has a broad distribution across Europe and extends into parts of Asia, with two recognized .

Macrosiphoniella millefolii by (c) Sandy Rae, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.Macrosiphoniella millefolii (Yarrow Aphid) - Flickr - S. Rae by S. Rae from Scotland, UK. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.Yarrow Aphid (Macrosiphoniella millefolii) (7949048642) by AnemoneProjectors (talk). Used under a CC BY-SA 2.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Macrosiphoniella millefolii: /ˌmækroʊˌsaɪfoʊniˈɛlə mɪlˈɛfoʊli.aɪ/

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

Identification

Macrosiphoniella millefolii can be distinguished from other Macrosiphoniella by its association with Achillea plants and specific morphological features including the structure of the siphunculi and cauda. The M. m. orientalis is distinguished from the nominate subspecies by geographic distribution and subtle morphological differences.

Images

Habitat

Found in where yarrow (Achillea millefolium) grows, including meadows, grasslands, roadsides, and disturbed areas. The plant's presence is the primary habitat determinant.

Distribution

Recorded from Belgium, Denmark, Norway, and other parts of Europe. The M. m. orientalis occurs in eastern Asia.

Diet

feeder on yarrow (Achillea millefolium) and potentially related Achillea (Asteraceae).

Host Associations

  • Achillea millefolium - primary yarrow

Ecological Role

Herbivore that feeds on phloem sap of plants; may serve as prey for and in .

Similar Taxa

  • Other Macrosiphoniella speciesSame , distinguished by plant specificity and subtle morphological characters of siphunculi and cauda

More Details

Subspecies

Two are recognized: Macrosiphoniella millefolii millefolii (De Geer, 1773) with European distribution, and Macrosiphoniella millefolii orientalis Pashtshenko, 1998 occurring in eastern Asia.

Tags

Sources and further reading