Myzocallis agrifolicola
Richards, 1966
California Oak Aphid
Myzocallis agrifolicola is a of oak-feeding described by Richards in 1966. It is the type species for the subgenus Californicallis within the Myzocallis (Aphididae: Calaphidinae). The species is associated with oak trees (Quercus) in western North America, particularly California.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Myzocallis agrifolicola: //ˌmaɪzoʊˈkælɪs æɡrɪˌfɒlɪˈkoʊlə//
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Identification
As the type for subgenus Californicallis, M. agrifolicola can be distinguished from other Myzocallis species by characters diagnostic of this subgenus. Specific morphological features distinguishing it from congeneric species require examination of the original species description (Richards 1966) and the subgeneric key provided in Quednau and Remaudière (1994).
Habitat
Associated with oak (Quercus) in California.
Distribution
California, western North America. The specific epithet and subgenus name suggest a geographic restriction to California.
Diet
Feeds on oak (Quercus spp.). The specific epithet 'agrifolicola' (from Latin agrifolia, coast live oak, + cola, dweller) indicates association with Quercus agrifolia or related oaks.
Host Associations
- Quercus agrifolia - Implied by specific epithet; coast live oak
- Quercus - -level association
Similar Taxa
- Myzocallis (Myzocallis) spp.Other subgenera of Myzocallis differ in morphological characters; Californicallis is distinguished by features detailed in the subgeneric key of Quednau and Remaudière (1994)
- Myzocallis (Agrioaphis) myricaeDifferent subgenus with distinct association (Myrica vs. Quercus)
More Details
Taxonomic history
Myzocallis agrifolicola was designated as the type for the new subgenus Californicallis established by Quednau and Remaudière (1994) during their worldwide revision of the Myzocallis. Some sources (e.g., Catalogue of Life) list this species as a synonym, though GBIF and other taxonomic databases currently recognize it as accepted.
Subgeneric placement
The subgenus Californicallis is one of ten subgenera recognized in Myzocallis, distinguished from nominotypical Myzocallis and other subgenera by morphological characters detailed in the 1994 revision.