Tinocallis

Matsumura, 1919

elm aphids, crapemyrtle aphids

Tinocallis is a small of in the Calaphidinae, comprising eight described . Most species are associated with Ulmaceae (elm ), though one notable exception, T. kahawaluokalani (the ), is a pest of Lagerstroemia indica. Species exhibit with both parthenogenetic summer and sexual autumn generations producing . Several species are economically significant as pests of ornamental trees in urban landscapes.

Tinocallis takachihoensis by (c) carnifex, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by carnifex. Used under a CC-BY license.

Tinocallis takachihoensis by (c) Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas. Used under a CC-BY license.

Tinocallis ulmiparvifoliae by no rights reserved, uploaded by Jesse Rorabaugh. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Tinocallis: //ˌtaɪnoʊˈkælɪs//

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Identification

Tinocallis can be distinguished from related by their association with Ulmaceae (except T. kahawaluokalani on Lagerstroemia), and by morphological features detailed in the illustrated by Quednau (2001). T. kahawaluokalani specifically is recognized by its restriction to crape myrtle, shiny black winter laid in branch crevices, and females in summer .

Images

Habitat

Primary is on trees in the Ulmaceae (elms, zelkovas, planes). Tinocallis kahawaluokalani occupies a derived habitat on ornamental crape myrtle trees (Lagerstroemia indica) in urban environments of the southeastern United States and Brazil. overwinter on leafless branches in bark crevices and folds.

Distribution

The has a broad distribution including Palearctic, Nearctic, and Oriental regions. Specific records include: Denmark, Norway, Sweden (GBIF); Brazil (Paraná State, Curitiba) for T. kahawaluokalani; and widespread occurrence in the southeastern United States for T. kahawaluokalani. are to regions where their Ulmaceae occur naturally.

Seasonality

Holocyclic produce multiple parthenogenetic during summer. In autumn, females and males appear, mate, and produce winter that persist from early autumn through winter on leafless branches. Summer colonies feed actively on leaf undersides of branch portions.

Diet

Phloem-feeding . Tinocallis kahawaluokalani feeds specifically on the underside of Lagerstroemia indica leaves, primarily on portions of branches. Other feed on Ulmaceae foliage.

Host Associations

Lagerstroemia indica L. - sole of T. kahawaluokalani
Ulmaceae - -level associationprimary for most Tinocallis including elms (Ulmus), zelkovas (Zelkova), and plane trees (Platanus)

Life Cycle

Holocyclic and . Summer: several successive parthenogenetic produced by females. Autumn: generation of females and alate males that copulate; females shiny black, oval winter with smooth on branch folds and crevices. Eggs persist through winter on deciduous, leafless trees.

Behavior

Tinocallis kahawaluokalani exhibits -dependent responses to urban temperature, with density decreasing in hotter microclimates contrary to expectations for this . are laid preferentially on middle branch portions (30-60 cm from ) rather than or sections, with higher rates on older (20-30 year) trees. No preference for cardinal branch positions has been observed. Colonies aggregate on undersides of leaves on branch portions.

Ecological Role

As , Tinocallis function as phloem consumers on their trees. Heavy of T. kahawaluokalani cause leaf yellowing and shedding, abundant production that supports growth, and reduced photosynthetic capacity and landscape value. The species serves as for including , Orius insidiosus, and , and has been used in studies of urban dynamics and services. -infested trees with high can provide associational pest to nearby plants through predator spillover.

Human Relevance

T. kahawaluokalani is a significant pest of crape myrtle, one of the most common ornamental street trees in the southeastern United States. Management relies on natural by ; vegetation thresholds around trees can enhance Orius insidiosus and reduce needs. Other occasionally damage elm and plane trees in urban and forest settings.

Similar Taxa

TherioaphisBoth are in tribe Therioaphidini and share Calaphidinae placement; distinguished by associations and morphological details in Quednau's
MonelliopsisRelated in Calaphidinae also associated with Ulmaceae; morphologically similar but distinguished by characters

More Details

Taxonomic history

The was established by Matsumura in 1919. Quednau (2001) provided a world review recognizing eight and offering an illustrated identification . The genus has been placed in tribe Therioaphidini within Calaphidinae.

Notable species

Tinocallis kahawaluokalani (Kirkaldy) is the most economically significant due to its status as primary pest of crape myrtle in urban landscapes. Other species include T. ulmiparvifoliae (Japanese elm ), T. platani (plane tree aphid), T. saltans, T. zelkovae, T. zelkowae, T. ulmifolii, and T. caryaefoliae.

Research significance

T. kahawaluokalani has become a model organism for urban research, with studies examining temperature effects, complexity influences on , and distribution patterns. The demonstrates that urban pest can decrease with hotter temperatures contrary to typical expectations for piercing-sucking .