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"It has long been an axiom of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important" |
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Macrosiphum funestumBlackberry aphidOn this page: Identification & Distribution![]() ![]() Identification & Distribution:The adult apterae of Macrosiphum funestum (see first picture below) are a rather dull green or red. Their antennae are dark or dusky with darker tips to each segment, and are longer than the body. Antennal hairs are long enough to be conspicuous (cf. Sitobion fragariae Alate and immature Macrosiphum funestum are shown in the pictures below. The siphunculi of the alate are rather dark except at the base.
The clarified slide mounts below are of adult viviparous female Macrosiphum funestum : wingless, and winged.
Micrographs of clarified mounts The blackberry aphid does not host alternate but spends its entire life cycle on blackberry (Rubus fruticosus agg.). Macrosiphum funestum lives mostly on the young shoots and leaves. Sexual forms are produced in autumn and the aphid overwinters as eggs on the blackberry stems. Other aphids on same host:Macrosiphum funestum has been recorded from 12 Rubus species. Blackman & Eastop list 10 species of aphid Of those aphid species, Baker (2015)
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