Abstract
The hitherto unknown fundatrices of two large aphid species having a cryptic mode of life, Stomaphis graffii Cholodkovsky, 1894 and S. longirostris (Fabricius, 1787), are described from specimens collected in Poland. Key to identification of known fundatrices of European representatives of the genus Stomaphis is provided and the observed morphological features are discussed.
Highlights
The genus Stomaphis Walker comprises about 30 aphid species distinctive because of their large body size and very long rostrum
This paper aims at adding to our knowledge of the morphology of this group of aphids by providing descriptions of the fundatrices of two other common European representatives of the genus which feed on Aceraceae and Salicaceae, S. graffii and S. longirostris, and comparing them with the other fundatrices known in this genus
Antennal segments IV and VI shorter than V, which is thinner in the middle of its length (Fig. 1b, compare with apterous viviparous female – Fig. 3ab)
Summary
The genus Stomaphis Walker comprises about 30 aphid species distinctive because of their large body size and very long rostrum. Species of the genus Stomaphis are generally monoecious (their life cycle requires only a single host plant species) with one possible exception (Takada 2008). Despite their large body size, these aphids are relatively rarely found, due to their cryptic life mode (Depa et al 2012), and as a result little is known of the bionomy of many species. This paper aims at adding to our knowledge of the morphology of this group of aphids by providing descriptions of the fundatrices of two other common European representatives of the genus which feed on Aceraceae and Salicaceae, S. graffii and S. longirostris, and comparing them with the other fundatrices known in this genus
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