Brown Ambrosia Aphid

Uroleucon ambrosiae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Suborder: Sternorrhyncha
Superfamily: Aphidoidea
Family: Aphididae
Subfamily: Aphidinae
Tribe: Macrosiphini
Genus: Uroleucon
Species: ambrosiae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Uroleucon ambrosiae: /ˌjuːɹəˈljuːkɒn æmˈbrəʊzɪiː/

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Summary

Uroleucon ambrosiae, commonly known as the Brown Ambrosia Aphid, is a medium to large aphid species characterized by its red-brown to dark brown coloration and black cornicles. It primarily feeds on the giant ragweed, Ambrosia trifida, but shows a varied diet depending on location and available host plants.

Physical Characteristics

Adults are medium to large in size, broadly spindle shaped, red-brown to dark brown or dull red, and have black cornicles.

Habitat

Primarily found on the giant ragweed, Ambrosia trifida, in eastern North America, but also uses various asteraceous plants in the American Southwest.

Distribution

Eastern North America and the American Southwest.

Diet

Specializes on the giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida) and various Asteraceae.

Ecosystem Role

Part of the aphid community that feeds on Asteraceae, playing a role in the dynamics of plant-insect interactions.