Submitted to: Entomological News
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: August 12, 1998
Publication Date: N/A
Interpretive Summary: The Aphididae represent an economically important group of insects within the Homoptera. Aphids are plant feeders and extract plant fluids through narrow mouthparts. This mechanical damage can reduce plant vigor. Aphids also secrete "honeydew" as a byproduct of their feeding. This substance is high in plant sugars, collects on adjacent leaves, and serves as a medium for saprophytic fungi. These fungi grow on the leaf surface and further reduce the photosynthetic properties and overall vigor of the plant. Fungal growth can be a problem on plants for the wholesale and retail market since they are aesthetically unmarketable. Also, some aphids serve as vectors of several viruses that can damage or even kill the plants. The present paper provides redescriptions, morphological illustrations, and keys for determination of Macrosiphoniella leucanthemi (Ferrari) that lives on naturalized chrysanthemums (i.e. ox-eye daisy). Recent collections of this aphid species in Maryland and Oregon represent much greater distribution than originally recorded. These results will be helpful for growers, hobbyists, extension workers, and taxonomists for identifying aphids on chrysanthemums.
Technical Abstract:
Expanded distribution, morphological descriptions and illustrations, and revised keys for Macrosiphoniella laucanthemi known to colonize ox-eye daisy in the United States are presented.
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