Macrosiphum mentzeliae
Wilson, 1915
blazingstar aphid
Macrosiphum mentzeliae is an in the Aphididae, first described by Wilson in 1915. The species is known by the 'blazingstar aphid', likely referencing an association with plants in the Mentzelia (blazingstars). It belongs to the large genus Macrosiphum, which contains numerous aphid species that feed on various plants. Very few observations of this species have been recorded, with only a single observation documented on iNaturalist. The species is currently listed as a synonym in the Catalogue of Life, suggesting taxonomic uncertainty or consolidation with another .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Macrosiphum mentzeliae: /ˌmæ.kroʊˈsaɪfəm mɛnˈtseɪ.li.aɪ/
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Host Associations
- Mentzelia - likely primary Specific epithet 'mentzeliae' indicates association with blazingstar plants (Mentzelia), though specific records are not documented in available sources. The Macrosiphum typically includes with strong host plant specificity.
More Details
Taxonomic Status
Catalogue of Life lists Macrosiphum mentzeliae as a synonym, indicating potential taxonomic revision or consolidation with another Macrosiphum . The original description by Wilson (1915) may require modern re-evaluation.
Observation Rarity
Only one observation of this has been recorded on iNaturalist, suggesting it is either genuinely rare, underreported, or potentially misidentified due to taxonomic uncertainty.