Protaphis middletonii

Overview

A common root-feeding, polyphagous aphid.

Common names

Erigeron root aphid, Corn root aphid, Aster root aphid.

Synonyms

Distribution

This aphid is known worldwide and is common especially in the temperate regions of western and central United States and Canada, but is not common in Europe and Asia.

Host associations

It has a fairly broad host range, having been recorded from species of at least 11 plant families.

Economic importance

It is particularly important on corn (Poaceae), sunflower, Chrysanthemum, and artichoke (Asteraceae), celery (Apiaceae), potato (Solanaceae), and beets (Chenopodiaceae) but also attacks plants of other plant families including, Cactaceae, Ranunculaceae, Amaranthaceae, and Amaryllidaceae. It has not been implicated in the transmission of any plant virus.

Additional resources

See also. Taxonomy at Aphid Species File; Aphids on the World's Plants.

References

Blackman, R.L. and V.F. Eastop. 2006. Aphids on the World’s Herbaceous Plants and Shrubs. Volume 2 The Aphids. John Wiley & Sons with the Natural History Museum, London. viii + pages 1025–1439.

Voegtlin, D., W. Villalobos, M.V. Sanchez, G.Saborio, and C. Rivera. A Guide to the Winged Aphids of Costa Rica. 2003. International Journal of Tropical Biology and Conservation 51(Suppl. 2):xi + 228 pp.

Scientific name

Protaphis middletonii (Thomas, 1879)

Name in previous edition

Aphis middletonii Thomas, 1879