Reproduction of maple aphid (Periphyllus californiensis) in spring in relation to phenology of host tree.

Abstract

). Jpn. J. Appl. Ent. Zool. 32: 169-175 (1988) The maple aphid (Periphyllus californiensis) infests maple trees the whole year round, and it spends the summer as aestivating dimorph, a first instar larva morphologically different from the normal larva. The reproduction of maple aphid in spring was investigated in relation to food resources. Maple aphids produced normal larvae on unexpanded leaves and aestivating dimorphs on expanded leaves. Even after they had produced aestivating dimorphs, they produced normal larvae when transplanted onto unexpanded leaves. Expanded maple leaves were nutritionally poor and the aphids reared on them produced only a few larvae. Unexpanded leaves showed high soluble nitrogen contents which decreased rapidly as the leaves expanded. Reproduction of aestivating dimorphs seemed to be correlated to the low soluble nitrogen contents in leaves. In a tree, inflorescences or new leaves, which were located in the terminal part of shoots contained higher amounts of soluble nitrogen and were suitable for the reproduction of the aphids. However such good feeding sites disappeared rapidly with time. Therefore, the migration of alates in the second generation to late budding trees was considered to be an efficient mechanism to secure food.

Egg Hatching of Periphyllus Californiensis (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in Two Microhabitats With Different Budburst Phenologies

“…The maple aphid can only feed and grow on developing buds until leaf expansion is complete. They produce normal winged or wingless offspring when food quality is high, and aestivating dimorphs when food quality declines (Hashimoto & Furuta 1988). In spring, most stem mothers are found on early-budding trees, and their progeny, which develop into winged adults, disperse to late-budding trees and reproduce there (Furuta 1987).…”

Delay of spring bud swelling of maples caused by same year aphid infestation and its impact on the aphid

“…Early budding cause winged aphids in the 2nd generation to emerge early and delayed budding provides suitable feeding materials to the progeny of these winged aphids. Though each maple tree provides favorable feeding materials to its aphids for only several weeks (FURUTA 1987;HASHIMOTO and FURUTA 1988), ecological conditions can prolong this period.…”