Drepanaphis acerifoliae
(Thomas, 1878)
painted maple aphid
Drepanaphis acerifoliae, commonly known as the painted maple , is a of aphid in the Aphididae. It is one of 16 species in the Drepanaphis, all native to North America. This species has the broadest geographic range among its and is the only member of the genus known to have been introduced to Europe, where it has established in the Mediterranean region and beyond. Climate modeling suggests potential for further northward expansion in both North America and Europe over the coming decades.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Drepanaphis acerifoliae: /drɛˈpænəfɪs ˌæsəˈrɪfoʊlii/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
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Habitat
Associated with Acer (maple) trees. In North America, distribution coincides with the natural range of native eastern Acer and areas where maples have been planted in the western part of the continent. In Europe, occupies regions with suitable climatic conditions including the Mediterranean basin, Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, western Germany, southeast and central Great Britain, Hungary, the Balkan Peninsula, eastern Ukraine including Crimea, Russia, and northern Kazakhstan.
Distribution
Native to North America with the broadest range among Drepanaphis ; introduced to Europe and the only species of the found outside its natural range. Current North American distribution spans eastern native Acer range and western planted areas. Current European distribution includes Mediterranean basin, Italy, Spain, Portugal, France, Belgium, Netherlands, western Germany, southeast and central Great Britain, Hungary, Balkan Peninsula, eastern Ukraine, Crimea, Russia, and northern Kazakhstan. Climate change projections indicate suitable shifting northward to eastern Canada in North America and central/eastern Europe and Asian Russia within 80 years.
Host Associations
- Acer - primary narrow oligophage; main plant
Ecological Role
pest of Acer trees
Human Relevance
Considered a pest of maple trees; the only Drepanaphis introduced to Europe, with potential for range expansion due to climate change