Colopha graminis
(Monell, 1882)
Colopha graminis is a -forming in the , closely related to the well-studied elm cockscomb gall aphid Colopha ulmicola. Like other members of the Colopha, this exhibits a complex involving alternation and gall formation on its primary host, followed by to grass roots for summer feeding. The species was described by Monell in 1882 and belongs to the Eriosomatinae, a group characterized by their tendency to induce galls and their often elaborate seasonal host-switching behaviors.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Colopha graminis: /kəˈloʊfə ˈɡræmɪnɪs/
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Host Associations
- grasses - secondary Summer feeding on grass roots, inferred from -level documented in related
- elm - primary formation on leaves, inferred from -level ; specific elm unconfirmed for C. graminis
Similar Taxa
- Colopha ulmicolaClosely related congeneric with well-documented -forming on elm; C. graminis likely shares similar and traits
More Details
Taxonomic note
The Colopha is part of the Eriosomatinae, a of known for formation and complex involving alternation between woody primary hosts and herbaceous secondary hosts. The specific epithet 'graminis' (Latin for 'of grass') suggests an association with grasses as secondary hosts, consistent with this pattern.
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- GBIF taxonomy match
- iNaturalist taxon
- Catalogue of Life
- Encyrtid Holdings | Entomology Research Museum
- Gall darn it! Gall insects on hickory, oak, and elm, Phylloxera caryaecaulis, Andricus palustris, Colopha ulmicola — Bug of the Week
- When aphids fill the air: Elm cockscomb gall aphid, Colopha ulmicola — Bug of the Week
- Sunny with a chance of aphid flurries: Elm cockscomb gall aphid, Colopha ulmicola — Bug of the Week
- Flooding and Bugs – What are the impacts? - Buglife Blog - Buglife
- Archive — Bug of the Week