Periphyllus

van der Hoeven, 1863

Periphyllus Aphids, maple aphids

Species Guides

4

Periphyllus is a of aphids in the Aphididae, Chaitophorinae, containing more than 40 described . Species in this genus are primarily associated with maple trees (Acer spp.), though some feed on related plants such as Koelreuteria. Many species exhibit complex with polymorphic forms including females, aestivating dimorphs, and sexual morphs. Several species are pests outside their native ranges, spreading with ornamental host plants.

Periphyllus californiensis by (c) Bill Keim, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Bill Keim. Used under a CC-BY license.Periphyllus by (c) Zihao Wang, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Zihao Wang. Used under a CC-BY license.Periphyllus by (c) Mihajlo Tomić, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Mihajlo Tomić. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Periphyllus: //pɛrɪˈfɪləs//

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Identification

-level identification requires examination of morphological details such as siphunculi shape and pigmentation, cauda structure, and antennal segment ratios. Within Periphyllus, P. californiensis is distinguished from P. testudinaceus by uniformly black hind tibiae in females. P. acerihabitans differs from P. viridis and P. californiensis in specific morphological features detailed in available keys.

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Habitat

Associated with deciduous trees, primarily maple (Acer). Found on leaves, shoots, buds, and inflorescences. Some species occupy specific microhabitats: aestivating dimorphs occur on fully expanded leaves or key-fruits during summer dormancy.

Distribution

Widespread in temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Native ranges include East Asia (China, Japan, Korea, Russian Far East, Taiwan, India) and Europe. Several introduced to North America, Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Europe. P. californiensis recorded as in Poland (2009), Netherlands, Italy, Denmark, Croatia, Germany, Switzerland, and England.

Seasonality

Activity patterns closely tied to tree . Spring develop on new growth and inflorescences. Summer spent as inactive aestivating dimorphs. Autumn populations resume activity in October, utilizing key-fruits, then leaves, then twigs through December. Winged occurs in November. hatching synchronized with bud burst in spring.

Diet

Phloem-feeding on plant sap. Oligophagous: most restricted to Acer spp. (maples). P. koelreuteriae feeds exclusively on Koelreuteria species.

Host Associations

  • Acer palmatum - primary for P. californiensis
  • Acer japonicum - for P. californiensis
  • Acer buergerianum - for P. acerihabitans
  • Acer platanoides - Norway maple, for P. lyropictus
  • Koelreuteria bipinnata - for P. koelreuteriae
  • Koelreuteria paniculata - for P. koelreuteriae

Life Cycle

Holocyclic (with sexual phase) or observed. Produces multiple morphs: females, viviparous females, aestivating dimorphs (foliate nymphs with marginal hairs), females, and males. Viviparous predominates during growing season; sexual morphs produced in autumn. Some produce offspring in response to risk.

Behavior

Forms colonies on leaf undersides and new growth. Produces aestivating dimorphs that remain inactive on leaves or fruits during summer, with >99.9% mortality during this period due primarily to . Winged females disperse in autumn to exploit feeding sites across trees. Shows stage-dependent responses to cues: nymphs respond to odor but not visual cues; respond to both. Predation risk induces increased production of offspring and altered development timing.

Ecological Role

Herbivore and phloem feeder on woody plants. Prey for lady beetles (Harmonia axyridis), (Trioxys spp.), and other natural enemies. Some are significant pests of ornamental and native trees in invaded ranges.

Human Relevance

Several are pests damaging ornamental maple plantings and native Acer . P. californiensis and P. koelreuteriae of particular concern in horticulture. Spread facilitated by international trade in ornamental plants. Subject to efforts using predatory lady beetles.

Similar Taxa

  • P. testudinaceusSimilar to P. californiensis; distinguished by hind tibiae coloration in females
  • P. viridisSimilar to P. acerihabitans; occurs on related Acer ; morphological keys available for separation
  • P. californiensisSimilar to P. acerihabitans; both associated with Acer buergerianum or related maples; distinguished by specific morphological features

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Sources and further reading