Lettuce-necrotic-yellows-virus
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Hyperomyzus lactucae
Sowthistle Aphid, Blackcurrant-sowthistle Aphid
Hyperomyzus lactucae is a European aphid species in the family Aphididae, commonly known as the sowthistle aphid or blackcurrant-sowthistle aphid. The species exhibits a host-alternating life cycle, utilizing Sonchus species (sowthistles) as primary hosts and Ribes nigrum (blackcurrant) as a secondary host. It is a known vector of lettuce necrotic yellows virus and has been introduced to Australia as a pest of lettuce crops. Development, survival, and reproduction are strongly influenced by temperature and photoperiod, with faster development at higher temperatures within a range of approximately 12.5–24°C.