Myzus

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Myzus: /ˈmaɪzəs/

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Summary

Myzus persicae, the green peach aphid, is a global pest targeting diverse crops, especially peaches and tobacco. It reproduces quickly and has significant economic impacts due to its role in virus transmission and plant health deterioration.

Physical Characteristics

Eggs measure about 0.6 mm long and 0.3 mm wide, elliptical in shape, initially yellow or green but turn black. Nymphs are initially green, turning yellowish and resembling viviparous adults. Winged adults have a black head and thorax with a yellowish green abdomen and a large dark dorsal patch, approximately 1.8 to 2.1 mm in length. Wingless adults can be yellowish-green, red, or brown; with cornicles matching body color and pale appendages. Distinguishing traits include convergent inner faces of the antennal tubercles and slightly clavate dark-tipped siphunculi.

Identification Tips

Distinguish by morphology: convergent inner faces of the antennal tubercles in dorsal view, slightly clavate siphunculi approximately as long as the terminal antenna process.

Habitat

Overwinters on Prunus plants, with summer hosts including Solanaceae, Chenopodiaceae, Compositae, Brassicaceae, and Cucurbitaceae. Prefers young plant tissue for colonization.

Distribution

Found worldwide, likely of Asian origin, with introduction into 16 countries. Distribution is aided by transport on plant material and adaptation to varying climates.

Diet

Feeds primarily on phloem sap of host plants, can consume chloroplast DNA while feeding, and produces honeydew on certain artificial diets.

Life Cycle

Generations take 10 to 12 days, with over 20 annual generations in mild climates. Overwinters on Prunus, eggs hatch in spring, and nymphs feed on plants. Mating occurs in autumn before egg deposition.

Reproduction

Primarily cyclical parthenogenesis with several generations of asexual reproduction followed by sexual generations leading to egg laying. Some genotypes are obligate parthenogens.

Predators

Natural enemies include lady beetles, soldier beetles, hoverflies, various bugs, lacewings, parasitic wasps, fungal pathogens, and other aphids.

Conservation Status

Not currently listed as a species of concern; invasive and widely distributed.

Ecosystem Role

Transmits over 100 plant viruses, affecting crop yields. Serves as a food source for various predators and plays a role in plant health.

Economic Impact

Significant pest due to ability to transmit viruses to multiple crops, causing reduced yields and quality; affects global crop production and economics.

Collecting Methods

• Sweep net
• Sticky traps
• Vacuum sampling

Preservation Methods

• Ethanol
• Freezing
• Air drying

Evolution

A highly variable species with strains distinguished by host preference and resistance traits; has a separate subspecies (M. persicae nicotianae) specialized for tobacco.

Misconceptions

Often mistaken for other aphid species; their ability to transmit so many viruses can lead to confusion in pest management strategies.

Tags

• Myzus
• Green peach aphid
• Pest
• Aphid
• Agricultural pest