Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
122
123
122 Colony of large walnut aphid ( Callaphis juglandis ).
123 Colony of Callipterinella tuberculata on Betula .
124
Drepanosiphum platanoidis (Schrank) ( 124-125 )
Sycamore aphid
Generally abundant on sycamore ( Acer pseudoplatanus ),
but mainly a problem as a copious producer of
contaminating honeydew. Widely distributed in Europe;
also present in North America.
DESCRIPTION
Alate female: 3.2-4.3 mm long; elongate, light green or
greyish green, sometimes tinged with reddish, with
darker markings dorsally; antennae with a long terminal
process; siphunculi long and swollen; cauda small and
rounded. Nymph: light green to whitish green, with red
eyes; antennae with blackish markings.
124 Sycamore aphid ( Drepanosiphum platanoides ).
LIFE HISTORY
Overwintered eggs hatch at bud-burst. Small numbers of
alate females then develop rapidly on the new shoots and
beneath the expanding leaves. All adult forms are
winged. In summer, breeding ceases but females
continue to survive on the underside of expanded leaves
where they may often be found in considerable numbers.
Although mainly sedentary they readily become active if
disturbed. Breeding recommences in the autumn, when
leaves begin to senesce, with populations again
increasing rapidly as sexual forms are produced; winter
eggs are laid in November or December.
125
DAMAGE
The main problem is the excreted honeydew, which
pollutes host plants and anything beneath the trees.
125 Nymph of sycamore aphid ( Drepanosiphum platanoides ).
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