Rhopalosiphoninus latysiphon
(Davidson, 1912)
bulb-and-potato aphid
Rhopalosiphoninus latysiphon is an that infests subterranean plant parts, particularly potato roots and bulbs of ornamental plants such as tulip and gladiolus. Its reflects its association with both bulb crops and potatoes. The species is distinguished by its preference for cool, damp environments and avoidance of above-ground foliage under normal field conditions. Two have been described but may be synonyms.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Rhopalosiphoninus latysiphon: /roʊˌpæloʊˌsɪfəˈnaɪnəs ˌlætiˈsaɪfən/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from foliage-feeding aphids by its consistent restriction to roots and underground plant parts in field conditions. Cool temperature and preference for damp environments may aid in distinguishing it from related that occupy aerial plant parts. Specific morphological diagnostic features are not documented in available sources.
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Habitat
Subterranean environments including roots of field potato plants and bulbs of tulip, gladiolus, and other plant . Requires cool, damp conditions; does not tolerate high air temperatures or radiant heat exposure.
Distribution
Recorded from the Azores (Faial, Flores, Graciosa, Pico, São Jorge). Distribution beyond these islands is not documented in available sources.
Diet
Feeds on sap from underground plant parts. Documented include potato (Solanum tuberosum), tulip bulbs, gladiolus bulbs, and roots of various plant .
Host Associations
- Solanum tuberosum - field potato plants, roots
- Tulipa - bulbs
- Gladiolus - bulbs
Behavior
Avoids above-ground foliage under normal field conditions due to intolerance of high air temperatures and radiant heat. Has been observed to infest foliage only under artificially cool conditions.
Human Relevance
Agricultural pest of potato crops and ornamental bulb plants. of potato roots may affect plant health and yield. Management is complicated by its subterranean habit, which limits exposure to conventional foliar applications.
Similar Taxa
- Foliage-feeding aphids on potato (e.g., Macrosiphum euphorbiae)R. latysiphon is restricted to roots while other occupy aerial plant parts; this ecological separation is the primary distinguishing feature
More Details
Subspecific taxonomy
Two have been described: R. l. latysiphon and R. l. panaxis. These are considered possible synonyms and their validity remains unresolved.
Climatic limitations
Laboratory studies demonstrate that the can be reared on potato foliage only under cool conditions, confirming that thermal restricts its field distribution to subterranean environments.