Melaphis asafitchi
Foottit & Maw, 2018
Melaphis asafitchi is a North American in the subtribe Melaphidina, described in 2018 following molecular and morphometric analysis that revealed cryptic within what was previously considered Melaphis rhois. It is one of at least three sympatric cryptic melaphidine species on the continent. The species exhibits ovoviviparity in sexual females, a notable reproductive trait among aphids.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Melaphis asafitchi: /ˈmɛl.ə.fɪs əˈsæf.ɪtʃ.aɪ/
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Identification
Distinguished from Melaphis rhois and other sympatric Melaphis through molecular and morphometric analysis; specific diagnostic morphological characters require examination of type material and detailed comparative descriptions in the original species description.
Distribution
Life Cycle
Sexual females exhibit ovoviviparity, retaining internally until they hatch rather than laying them externally.
Similar Taxa
- Melaphis rhoisPreviously considered ; redefined and distinguished from M. asafitchi through molecular and morphometric analysis
- Melaphis minutaName cannot be assigned to either M. asafitchi or M. rhois; taxonomic status unresolved relative to these