Myzus species
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Two species of Myzus are known to occur on lettuce in Australia, although one, Myzus cymbalariae, is very uncommon. The other, the green peach aphid (Myzus persicae), is one of the most common and widespread species of aphid found in Australia. 
1. Green Peach Aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer)

Hosts:
Almost all dicotyledonous plants

Distribution:
Widespread in most areas of the world except Africa.

Economic Importance:
One of the most important aphid vectors, being known to transmit more than 100 plant viruses around the world.

Identification:
The siphunculi of green peach aphid are very slightly clavate, often outwardly slightly convex on the inner side only. The anteriorly convergent antennal tubercles characteristic of Myzus, coupled with the lack of obviously clavate siphunculi, clearly identify this species. Nymphs of Myzus can usually be identified because even in young nymphs, the antennal tubercles are prominent, although not as distinctively developed as in the adults.

2. Myzus cymbalariae Stroyan

Hosts:
A reasonably wide host range in a number of different plant families, including Asteraceae.

Distribution:
Europe, Africa, South America, India, Australia and New Zealand

Identification:
The anteriorly convergent antennal tubercles characteristic of Myzus, coupled with the obviously clavate siphunculi, clearly identify this species. 


 
 
 

Document 5380, submitted 17 November 2005
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© NSW Agriculture, 2005

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