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Sensoriaphis nothofagiNew Zealand beech aphidOn this page: Identification & Distribution Biology & Ecology Life cycle Other aphids on the same host Damage & ControlIdentification & DistributionAdult apterae of Sensoriaphis nothofagi are yellowish with brown markings and narrowly oval in shape. The antennae are 4-6 segmented and are 0.33-0.41 times as long as the body. The terminal process is 0.25-0.33 times the length of the base of antennal segment VI. There are more or less interrupted transverse sclerotic bands on all abdominal tergites. Marginal tubercles are present on abdominal tergites VI & VII, but not on tergites I-IV. The tubercles are small but well developed and fingerlike. There is a pair of finger-like spinal processes on tergite VIII. Tergites I-V each have 6 spinopleural hairs. The siphunculi are quite prominent, and the cauda is globular. The body length of adult Sensoriaphis nothofagi apterae is 1.1-1.5 mm.
Both images above by permission, copyright Nicholas A. Martin, Plant & Food Research. Sensoriaphis nothofagi alatae are yellowish with a variable degree of brown marking. The antennae bear 9-12 secondary rhinaria on antennal segment III. There are more or less interrupted brown sclerotic dorsal bars on tergites II-VI and dark marginal sclerites. The cauda is strongly constricted near the middle, forming a broadly conical knob.
Both images above by permission, copyright Nicholas A. Martin, Plant & Food Research. Sensoriaphis nothofagi is one of only three species of indigenous aphids in New Zealand to be widespread and sometimes common; the other two are Neophyllaphis totarae and Aphis healyi (Teulon et al., 2003). They are well camouflaged, feeding on young stems and leaves of Nothofagus species, generally on trees close to forest edges. Winged and wingless parthenogenetic adults have been collected from September to May. Oviparae and winged males occur from September to February. Note the life cycles of both Sensoriaphis and Neophyllaphis species appear to be structured to allow the egg stage to survive adverse summer conditions (December-February) when there is no young growth available on the host trees (Carver & Hales, 1974). Biology & EcologyAnt attendanceSensoriaphis nothofagi is sometimes attended by ants (see picture below).
Image above by permission, copyright Nicholas A. Martin, Plant & Food Research. There appears to be no mention in the literature of ant attendance with this species. The image above indicates that the ants are antennating the aphids to encourage honeydew product. Hence the ants are probably providing a degree of protection for the aphids against predators and/or parasitoids. Natural enemiesTwo species of parakeet, the the red-crowned parakeet (Cyanoramphus novaezelandiae) and the yellow-crowned parakeet (Cyanoramphus auriceps), have been recorded predating Sensoriaphis nothofagi. Terry (1998) reported the aphid as a major food item (defined as >5% of the diet in any one month) of red-crowned parakeets and yellow-crowned parakeets on Little Barrier Island. A dramatic increase in the number of red-crowned parakeets (see first picture below) in Kauri/Beech/Rata forest occurred from July to August. This coincided with the period when flowering hard of beech (Nothofagus truncata) reached a peak, as did the numbers of Sensoriaphis nothofagi occurring on the new leaves.
First image above copyright Pseudopanax (public domain). Yellow-crowned parakeet numbers (see second picture above) within this forest type followed similar trends, utilising the abundance of beech flowers, seeds and aphids. For most of the year yellow-crowned parakeets consumed significantly more invertebrates relative to flowers, fruits and seeds than did red-crowned parakeets. In addition ladybirds (Coccinellidae) have been recorded as predators of Sensoriaphis nothofagi as have syrphid (Syrphidae) larvae. Other aphids on the same hostSensoriaphis nothofagi has been recorded from 2 Nothofagus species (Nothofagus fusca var colensoi = Fuscospora truncata, Nothofagus solandri var cliffortioides). Blackman & Eastop list 2 species of aphid as feeding on hard beech (Nothofagus fusca var colensoi = Fuscospora truncata) 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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