Phylloxera myristica
Phylloxera myristica is a gall-forming insect in the Phylloxeridae, closely related to aphids. Like other phylloxerans, this induces abnormal plant growths (galls) on plants through chemical secretions that manipulate plant development. The insect develops within these protective structures, which provide both shelter and nutrition. Specific host associations and detailed for this species remain poorly documented in available literature.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Phylloxera myristica: //fɪˈlɒksərə ˌmaɪrɪsˈtɪkə//
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Host Associations
- Myristica - name suggests association with Myristica (nutmeg ), though specific unconfirmed in sources
Similar Taxa
- Phylloxera caryaecaulisBoth are hickory-feeding phylloxerans that form globular galls on leaves and petioles; P. caryaecaulis specifically attacks Carya
- Phylloxera vitifoliae (Daktulosphaira vitifoliae)Grape phylloxera, the most economically damaging phylloxeran; forms leaf and root galls on grapevines and nearly destroyed European viticulture in the 19th century
- Pecan phylloxera (Phylloxera devastatrix)Major pest of pecan trees causing galls on shoots and nuts; more damaging than leaf-feeding
- Pecan leaf phylloxera (Phylloxera notabilis)Forms galls restricted to pecan leaf tissue; less damaging than shoot-feeding
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- Insects and mites that feed on leaves - AgriLife Extension Entomology
- Managing Insect and Mite Pests of Commercial Pecans in Texas - AgriLife Extension Entomology
- Meet 'The Moth Man' at Bohart Museum's Moth Night | Bug Squad
- Gall darn it! Gall insects on hickory, oak, and elm, Phylloxera caryaecaulis, Andricus palustris, Colopha ulmicola — Bug of the Week
- The Insects Behind the Weird Growths on Plants
- How Some Insects Turn Plants Into Pollution Detectors