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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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Phyllaphoides bambusicolaCottony-whiskered bamboo aphidOn this page: Identification & Distribution Other aphids on the same hostIdentification & DistributionAlatae of Phyllaphoides bambusicola are white with a pale yellow mesothorax (for adult apterae see note below). Both immatures and alatae (see pictures below) are densely covered in white cottony wax. Alatae are without antennal tubercles. Their eyes are large and lack ocular tubercles (cf. Neocranaphis arundinariae & Neocranaphis bambusicola, which both have ocular tubercles present). Antennal segment I is not quite equal in length to antennal segment II. The terminal process of antennal segment VI is 0.70-0.85 times as long as its base (cf. Neocranaphis arundinariae & Neocranaphis bambusicola which both have the terminal process 0.23-0.34 times the length of the base). Their antennae bear transversely oval secondary rhinaria. The rostrum is short, reaching little beyond the fore coxae, and the apical rostral segment is about as long as its greatest basal width. The forewings are rather narrow, with clear cut veins, and the radial sector is obliterated at the base. The dorsum has many setae surrounded by wax gland pores developed as cribriform discs. The femora are somewhat swollen. Empodial setae are missing. The siphunculi are very flat and pore-like (cf. Takecallis spp., which have truncate siphuncular cones). The cauda is knobbed, and the anal plate is bilobed. The body length of adult Phyllaphoides bambusicola alateae is 1.5-2.5 mm. Note: Takahashi (1923) reports the occurrence of both winged and wingless viviparae of Phyllaphoides bambusicola, but Quednau (2003) states that apterous viviparae of this species are unknown - at least there does not seem to be a published description of the adult apterae.
Images above by permission, copyright Akihide Koguchi, all rights reserved. Phyllaphoides bambusicola has so far only been found on two species of bamboo, Bambusa stenostachya and Phyllostachys makinoi. These aphids live on the bamboo leaf undersides. Takahashi (1923) reported that they do not jump from the leaf when disturbed, but instead walk rather actively away. Until recently Phyllaphoides bambusicola was thought to be confined to China and Taiwan. However, it was recently reported in the northern part of Fukuoka Prefecture, Kyushu, Japan (Sugimoto, 2019). If the identification of these aphids is confirmed, it will be the second report from Japan. Other aphids on the same hostPhyllaphoides bambusicola has been recorded from 1 species of Bambusa (Bambusa blumeana = Bambusa stenostachya). Blackman & Eastop list 8 species of aphid as feeding on the bamboo Bambusa blumeana worldwide, and provide formal identification keys (Show World list). Of those aphid species, Baker (2015) lists none as occurring in Britain (Show British list).
Phyllaphoides bambusicola has been recorded from 1 species of Phyllostachys (Phyllostachys makinoi) Blackman & Eastop list 3 species of aphid as feeding on the bamboo Bambusa blumeana worldwide, and provide formal identification keys (Show World list). Of those aphid species, Baker (2015) lists none as occurring in Britain (Show British list).
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