Saltusaphidinae
Baker, 1920
sedge aphids
Genus Guides
2Saltusaphidinae is a of aphids comprising 49 across 12 . Members are commonly known as sedge aphids due to their specialized association with Cyperaceae (sedges). The group is divided into two tribes: Saltusaphidini and Thripsaphidini. One species, Iziphya leegei, is exceptional in feeding on Juncus (rushes) rather than sedges.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Saltusaphidinae: //ˌsæl.tuː.sæˈfɪ.dɪˌniː//
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Identification
Saltusaphidinae are distinguished from other by their -plant specificity to sedges and morphological characters including features of the , siphunculi, and cauda. The subfamily has been characterized by 10 generic, 17 , and 2 embryo characters in phylogenetic studies. within Saltusaphidinae include Allaphis, Iziphya, Nevskya, Saltusaphis, Sminthuraphis, Strenaphis, Subiziphya, Juncobia, Neosaltusaphis, Peltaphis, Subsaltusaphis, and Thripsaphis.
Habitat
Wetland and moist environments where sedges (Cyperaceae) and rushes (Juncus) occur. include marshes, fens, wet meadows, and riparian zones.
Distribution
Worldwide distribution. Specific distribution records are documented for each of the 49 recognized .
Diet
Phloem feeding on plants. Specialized on Cyperaceae (sedges) for nearly all ; Iziphya leegei feeds on Juncus spp.
Host Associations
Similar Taxa
- MacropodaphisFormerly considered part of Saltusaphidinae; phylogenetic analysis placed it in separate Macropodaphidinae, sister group to Saltusaphidinae
- CalaphidinaeSome classifications (e.g., Catalogue of Life) treat Saltusaphidinae as subtribe within Calaphidinae rather than separate
More Details
Taxonomic placement
The has been variously placed. Some phylogenetic analyses support Saltusaphidinae within Drepanosiphidae, while other classifications (e.g., Catalogue of Life) place it as subtribe Saltusaphidini within Calaphidinae. The phylogenetic analysis by Zhang & Qiao (1998) proposed several taxonomic changes: Allaphis as subgenus of Thripsaphis; Stenaphis as subgenus of Subsaltusaphis; and Peltaphis as independent .
Genera composition
Two tribes are recognized: Saltusaphidini (Iziphya, Juncobia, Nevskya, Saltusaphis, Sminthuraphis, Strenaphis, Subiziphya) and Thripsaphidini (Allaphis, Neosaltusaphis, Peltaphis, Subsaltusaphis, Thripsaphis). Note that some names in sources vary (e.g., Stenaphis vs. Strenaphis, Nevskya vs. Nevskyella).