Mordwilkoja

Del Guercio, 1909

Mordwilkoja is a of -forming in the , Pemphiginae. in this genus induce galls on plants and exhibit defensive behaviors against . The genus has been used as an outgroup in molecular studies of social evolution in related aphid genera.

Mordwilkoja by (c) Thomas Koffel, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Thomas Koffel. Used under a CC-BY license.

Mordwilkoja vagabunda by no rights reserved, uploaded by Adam Kranz. Used under a CC0 license.

Mordwilkoja vagabunda by the Smithsonian. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Mordwilkoja: //mɔrˈdwilkɔja//

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Identification

-forming in this can be distinguished from related genera such as Pemphigus by the absence of specialized first- ; defensive behaviors are instead performed by alatoid nymphs across all instars.

Images

Distribution

Vermont, United States; additional records from the United States (general).

Seasonality

Activity observed in July in Ithaca, New York.

Diet

Phloem-feeding on plants; specific dietary details at level unknown.

Host Associations

Populus deltoides - Confirmed for M. vagabunda; development occurs on this .

Life Cycle

-forming with nymphal stages developing within galls; specific details at level not established.

Behavior

exhibit antipredator defensive behaviors including synchronized, rhythmic leg movements and collective twitching. When attacked by such as , nymphs use legs to while pressing against the attacker, possibly to pierce the . These behaviors may represent fortress defense strategies that maximize inclusive of the .

Ecological Role

-forming that induces tissue modifications; defensive behaviors suggest potential role in protecting colony reproductive output from .

Similar Taxa

PemphigusBoth are -forming in tribe Pemphigini, but Pemphigus possess specialized first- for defense, whereas Mordwilkoja uses alatoid nymphs of all instars.
Aphis neriiBoth exhibit synchronized, rhythmic defensive movements against , though is not a -former and belongs to a different lineage.