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Prociphilus piniHawthorn-pine root aphidOn this page: Identification & Distribution Biology & Ecology Other aphids on the same host Damage & ControlIdentification & DistributionOverwintering eggs on hawthorn hatch in spring to give fundatrices which , together with their progeny, curl and yellow hawthorn (Crataegus) leaves. The progeny all develop to alates, which have a light green to greyish green abdomen. These migrate to the secondary host, the roots of Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris) and related Pinus species.
Guest images copyright Alan Watson Featherstone all rights reserved. The adult apterae of Prociphilus pini on the secondary host are cream or pale pinkish and are covered with dense wax wool. In October winged sexuparae (see pictures above) develop on the pine roots and migrate back to hawthorn. The head has paired wax gland plates showing as clear areas between antennae and/or on the posterior part of head. The number of secondary rhinaria on the antennae is diagnostic - segment III: 15-32, IV: 5-12; V: 2-11; VI: 0. The body length of the sexupara is 1.6-2.3 mm. Sexuparae are produced on pine roots in October, but British populations seem to mainly persist throughout the winter on pine, and it is less commonly found on its primary hosts, hawthorn. Prociphilus pini occurs in the British Isles, and in north-west and central Europe. Other aphids on same host:Blackman & Eastop list 16 species of aphid as feeding on common hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) worldwide, and provide formal identification keys (Show World list). Of those aphid species, Baker (2015) lists 15 as occurring in Britain (Show British list).
Prociphilus pini and its subspecies have been recorded from at least 5 Pinus species ( Pinus mugo, Pinus sylvestris, Pinus contorta, Pinus echinata, Pinus rigida). Blackman & Eastop list 30 species of aphid as feeding on Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) worldwide, and provide formal identification keys (Show World list). Of those aphid species, Baker (2015) lists 15 as occurring in Britain(Show British list).
Damage and controlColonies of wax-covered apterae of this species are a common occurrence on the fine roots of container-grown Scots Pine saplings in British nurseries.
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