Tuberolachnus salignus
Tuberolachnus salignus, showing dorsal tubercle
Scientific classification
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T. salignus
Binomial name
Tuberolachnus salignus
Gmelin, 1790

Tuberolachnus salignus, or the giant willow aphid, is a species of aphid, in the genus Tuberolachnus. They are reputed to be the largest aphids, with a body length of up to 5.8mm.[1][2] First described by Johann Friedrich Gmelin in 1790, it feeds on many species of willow (Salix species), and has one known specific parasite, Pauesia salignae.[2]

Tuberolachnus salignus does not require a male for reproduction. Only females have ever been recorded, which suggests that reproduction is parthenogenetic and all offspring produced are genetically identical clones.[3]

Host plants

Tuberolachnus salignus is known to feed primarily on willow and Salix tree species such as the white willow (Salix alba), the common sallow (Salix cinerea')[3] and the Indian willow (Salix tetrasperma).[4] The following host tree species have also been recorded:

References

  1. "Tuberolachnus salignus". Retrieved 26 November 2016.
  2. 1 2 "Giant Willow Aphid (Tuberolachnus salignus) Have we solved one of its mysteries?". Retrieved 26 November 2016.
  3. 1 2 "Tuberolachnus salignus Giant willow aphid". Influential Points. 2023-02-12. Retrieved 2023-02-12.
  4. Hussain, Barkat & War, Abdul Rasheed & Singh, Satnam & Ahmad, Shanawaz. (2021). First Record of an Invasive Pest, Giant Willow Aphid, Tuberolachnus salignus (Gmelin) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) on Salix alba in the Cold Arid Region of Ladakh, India. Entomological News. 129. 10.3157/021.129.0508.
  5. 1 2 3 Horton, Helena (2023-02-12). "Have you seen this bug? Scientists call on Britain's gardeners to track elusive aphid". The Guardian. Retrieved 2023-02-12.

Further reading


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