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Genus Metopeurum

Daisy aphids

Species Overview: Genus Metopeurum  Metopeurum fuscoviride 

Genus Metopeurum [Macrosiphini]

Medium-sized aphids, the adult viviparae of which may be winged or wingless. Antennal tubercles very weakly developed. Siphunculi thin dusky or dark over at least half of length, with polygonal reticulation usually extending over more than distal 20%. Cauda tapering, triangular, less than 1.5 times longer than its basal width.

There are 11 species in this genus, living primarily on daisies (Asteraceae). They have a sexual stage in the life cycle overwintering as eggs, but there is no host alternation. They may be attended by ants.

 

Metopeurum fuscoviride (Pink tansy aphid)

Metopeurum fuscoviride is a medium-sized pink aphid with a large blackish spot on the abdomen. The antennal tubercles are very weakly developed, so that front of head is very shallowly concave. The siphunculi are dark and thin and 1.3-2.0 times the length of the cauda. The cauda is dusky or dark, elongate triangular with a rather narrow apex, less than 1.7 times longer than its basal width. The body length of Metopeurum fuscoviride apterae is 2.2-2.9 mm.

 

The pink tansy aphid mainly feeds on tansy (Tanacetum vulgare). It is regularly tended by ants, of which Lasius niger is the most common. Metopeurum fuscoviride is found throughout most of Europe.

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Acknowledgements

We have made provisional identifications from high resolution photos of living specimens, along with host plant identity. In the great majority of cases, identifications have been confirmed by microscopic examination of preserved specimens. We have used the keys and species accounts of Blackman & Eastop (1994)  and Blackman & Eastop (2006)  supplemented with Blackman (1974) , Stroyan (1977) , Stroyan (1984) , Blackman & Eastop (1984) , Heie (1980-1995) , Dixon & Thieme (2007)  and Blackman (2010) . We fully acknowledge these authors as the source for the (summarized) taxonomic information we have presented. Any errors in identification or information are ours alone, and we would be very grateful for any corrections. For assistance on the terms used for aphid morphology we suggest the figure  provided by Blackman & Eastop (2006).

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References

  •  Blackman, R.L. & Eastop, V.F. (2006). Aphids on the world's herbaceous plants and shrubs. Vols 1 and 2. John Wiley & Sons.