Neotoxoptera

Theobald, 1915

Species Guides

Neotoxoptera formosana(Onion Aphid)

Neotoxoptera is a of aphids in the Aphididae, comprising at least seven described . The genus is best known for N. formosana, the onion , a significant agricultural pest of Allium crops. Species in this genus are oligophagous, specializing on plants in the Allium genus, and are distributed across Asia, North America, South America, Europe, Oceania, and Africa.

Neotoxoptera by (c) Jesse Rorabaugh, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jesse Rorabaugh. Used under a CC-BY license.

Neotoxoptera formosana by no rights reserved, uploaded by Jesse Rorabaugh. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Neotoxoptera: //ˌniː.əʊ.tɒkˈsɒp.tə.rə//

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

Images

Habitat

Associated with Allium crops and wild Allium ; agricultural fields and gardens where plants are cultivated. Specific microhabitat includes leaves, stored bulbs, and sets of onions and related species.

Distribution

Asia (China, Japan, Korea Republic, Taiwan), North America (USA: California, Colorado, Hawaii, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Utah; Mexico), South America (Brazil, Chile), Europe (Finland, Italy, UK), Oceania (Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea), Africa (St Helena).

Seasonality

In Guizhou Province, China, show two main hazard peaks: March–May and July–September. Survives year-round in suitable climates.

Diet

Oligophagous; feeds on phloem sap from plants in the Allium . Documented include Allium tuberosum (garlic chive), Allium fistulosum (Welsh onion), Allium cepa (onion), leek, garlic, and shallot.

Host Associations

Allium tuberosum - primary causes severe economic losses to agriculture in China
Allium fistulosum - primary attracted to volatile sulfide compounds
Allium cepa - attacks leaves, stored bulbs and sets
Allium sativum - preferred for phloem feeding
Allium schoenoprasum - most favorable for development and
Allium ascalonicum - preferred for phloem feeding

Life Cycle

Developmental stages include first, second, third, and fourth-instar nymphs followed by . Threshold temperature (C) for nymphal development: 4.002°C; effective cumulative temperature (K): 145.252 days °C. Development accelerates with temperature but body size decreases; longevity and period shorten above 20°C. Optimal temperature for expansion is 20°C.

Behavior

Uses olfactory cues to locate plants, specifically responding to volatile sulfur compounds characteristic of Allium: dipropyl trisulphide (from A. fistulosum) and diallyl disulphide (from A. tuberosum). Produces from cornicles; major components include (E)-β-farnesene and (+)-limonene in natural ratio 67.8:1. Shows significant repellent response to volatile sulfides released by plants and to rosemary.

Ecological Role

Agricultural pest causing severe economic losses and quality degradation in Allium crops. Acts indirectly as a for plant viruses. Defecates sticky honeydew. Serves as prey for predatory insects including Aphidoletes aphidimyza (predatory gall midge) and Chrysoperla externa (green lacewing).

Human Relevance

Significant economic pest of Allium vegetable production worldwide, particularly threatening Chinese leek production. Subject of research focusing on -based control strategies and using lacewings. sequenced to understand specificity and develop - management strategies.

Similar Taxa

Pentalonia nigronervosaPhylogenetic sister group based on analysis; both are aphids in Aphididae with specialized associations
Other Aphididae genera on AlliumNeotoxoptera is distinguished by oligophagy on Allium and specific responses to Allium volatile sulfide compounds