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Amphorophora ampullataDark-tipped fern aphidOn this page: Identification & Distribution Biology & Ecology Population dynamics Natural enemies Other aphids on the same host Damage & ControlIdentification & DistributionAdult apterae of Amphorophora ampullata are green except for the eyes which are red, the siphunculi which have the distal half brown and the apices black, the tarsi and tips of antennal segments III-VI and tibiae all of which are black (see two pictures below of apterae of the nominate subspecies Amphorophora ampullata ampullata and the American subspecies, Amphorophora ampullata laingi). For Amphorophora ampullata ampullata, the terminal process is 3.5-5.2 times as long as the base of antennal segment VI (cf. Amphorophora ampullata laingi, where the terminal process is 5.0-6.6 times the length of the base of antennal segment VI). Antennal segment III has 5-23 secondary rhinaria (cf. Amphorophora ampullata bengalensis, the Chinese subspecies, which has only 1-6 rhinaria near the base). The apical rostral segment (RIV+V) is 0.85-1.15 times the as long as the second hind tarsal segment (HTII) (cf. Amphorophora ampullata bengalensis, which has RIV+V 1.15-1.4 times the length of HTII). Their siphunculi are almost smooth, have little or no subapical reticulation, and are swollen on the distal part with a maximum width about twice the narrowest width just next to the flange. The siphunculi are 1.9-2.7 times the length of the cauda (cf. Amphorophora ampullata laingi, which has siphunculi 1.5-2.1 times the caudal length). The cauda is short and thick with 20 hairs. The body length of adult apterae of Amphorophora ampullata ampullata is 3.0-5.0 mm. Note: Blackman (2020) found that populations on Athyrium filix-femina in Netherlands and UK have a longer apical rostral segment, and other morphological differences, as well as a different karyotype (= chromosome number & gross shape, see below) and may therefore represent an undescribed species.
Second image above by permission, copyright Claude Pilon, all rights reserved. The alate (see first picture below) is much like the apterous viviparous female, except that antennal segment III has 21-51 secondary rhinaria. Immature Amphorophora ampullata ampullata (see second picture below) resemble the adult viviparae.
Second image above by permission, copyright Claude Pilon, all rights reserved. The clarified slide mounts below are of an adult viviparous female Amphorophora ampullata : wingless, and winged.
Micrographs of clarified mounts by permission of Roger Blackman, copyright AWP all rights reserved. Subspecies:
Amphorophora ampullata feeds on the frond undersides of a number of fern genera (e.g. Asplenium, Athyrium, Cystopteris, Dryopteris, Onoclea, Polypodium, Polystichum). It does not host alternate, remaining all year on ferns. Sexual forms with alate males develop in autumn, and the population overwinters in the egg stage. Amphorophora ampullata is found in Europe, Asia and North America. Biology & EcologyPopulation dynamicsReddy & Kumari (2016) studied the seasonal incidence of Amphorophora ampullata on the fern, Hypolepis polypodioides in Western Himalayas, India. Aphid abundance showed two peaks in a year. In the first year of sampling, peak incidence of aphids was recorded during the third week of November (c. 26 aphids/pinna); the aphid population gradually decreased from December 2012 onwards and fell below threshold detection level during the last week of January. The aphid population started building up again from first week of February 2013 and attained its peak in the last week of August (c. 32 aphids/pinna). It then decreased gradually until the first week of September (c. 20 aphids/pinna) before increasing again to reached maximum aphid densities during November (c. 56 aphids/pinna). Among weather parameters, relative humidity during morning hours was [positively] correlated with aphid numbers. Natural enemiesThe only natural enemy of Amphorophora ampullata that we have observed so far in the field is a Praon parasitoid, the mummy of which is shown below. Other aphids on the same hostAmphorophora ampullata has not been reported on any named species of Asplenium, but has been reported on ferns in genus Asplenium.
Amphorophora ampullata has been reported on one Pteridium species, Pteridium aquilinum.
Amphorophora ampullata has been reported on three Athyrium species (Athyrium filix-femina, Athyrium rubripes, Athyrium yokoscense).
Damage and controlReddy & Kumari (2013) noted that both nymphs and adult Amphorophora ampullata are responsible for causing damage to Hypolepis polypodioides. They were found congregating on the lower surface of fronds. They injure the plant by piercing and sucking the sap, which results in yellowing, loss of vigour, drying, and dropping of fronds. In severe infestations, entire plants start drying and wilting.
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