Neoprociphilus aceris
(Monell, 1882)
woolly maple aphid, woolly alder aphid
Neoprociphilus aceris is a woolly aphid in the Aphididae, commonly known as the woolly maple or woolly alder aphid. It exhibits a with alternating sexual and parthenogenetic on alder trees (Alnus spp.). The species produces dense woolly wax secretions covering its body, forming conspicuous colonies on branches and twigs. It is a phloem-feeding with documented associations primarily with alder, though its suggests potential maple associations that require verification.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Neoprociphilus aceris: /niːoʊˌprɒˈsɪfɪləs ˈæsɛrɪs/
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Identification
Distinguished from other woolly aphids by its specific association with Alnus plants and morphological features detailed in taxonomic descriptions. The dense woolly wax covering distinguishes it from non-woolly aphid . Separation from Prociphilus species and other Pemphiginae requires examination of morphological characters including cornicle structure, cauda shape, and antennal segmentation. Precise identification relies on microscopic examination of slide-mounted specimens.
Habitat
Associated with alder trees (Alnus spp.), forming colonies on branches and twigs. Specific microhabitat requirements include bark crevices for -laying sites and suitable phloem tissue for feeding.
Seasonality
laid on alder bark in autumn; fundatrices (stem mothers) hatch in spring; multiple parthenogenetic occur through summer; produced in summer; sexual forms appear in autumn.
Diet
Phloem sap of alder trees (Alnus spp.). Feeding occurs through inserted into phloem tissue.
Host Associations
- Alnus - primary Documented for all stages; laid on bark, colonies develop on branches and twigs
Life Cycle
Holocyclic with distinct sexual and parthenogenetic phases. hatch in spring into fundatrices that initiate colonies. Multiple parthenogenetic (fundatrigeniae and alienicolae) occur through spring and summer. morphs develop in summer, with sexuparae producing sexual females and males in autumn. Mating occurs on bark, followed by egg-laying in bark crevices to complete the cycle.
Behavior
Produces dense woolly wax secretions that cover the body and colony, likely providing protection from and environmental conditions. forms may disperse between trees. Colonies form on exposed branches and twigs.
Similar Taxa
- Prociphilus spp.Similar woolly aphid and Pemphiginae classification; distinguished by associations and specific morphological characters
- Neoprociphilus americanusCongeneric requiring morphological comparison for accurate identification