This chapter highlights some of the problems of interpreting the observed variation within and between aphid species, and discusses what the names given to aphids really mean. Fourteen taxa that probably head the list of economically important aphid species are discussed as examples (Acyrthosiphon pisum, Aphis craccivora, Aphis fabae, Aphis gossypii, Aphis spiraecola, Diuraphis noxia, Lipaphis pseudobrassicae [Lipaphis erysimi], Macrosiphum euphorbiae, Myzus persicae, Rhopalosiphum maidis, Rhopalosiphum padi, Schizaphis graminum, Sitobion avenae and Therioaphis trifolii).
An annotated list is provided of the most significant errors and omissions from a series of books on aphids on the world’s plants. Some of the problems of ensuring the provision of accurate scientific information, both as hard copy and on-line, are discussed.
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