Sumac Gall Aphid
Melaphis rhois
This record describes Melaphis rhois (species). Recorded family: Aphididae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
From InfluentialPoints , It is possible to distinguish between two of the species in the Melaphis rhois species group ( Melaphis rhois and Melaphis asafitchi ) when they are on the primary host. For Melaphis rhois the length of the apical rostral segment (RIV+V) of adult apterae on Rhus is 68 µm long (cf. Melaphis asafitchi on Rhus , which has RIV+V of adult apterae 68 µm long). From Foottit & Maw, the apical rostral segment of the adult winged female is 65 µm to 80 µm for M. rhois and 56 µm to 65 µm for M. asafitchi . . Foottit & Maw provide additional complex functions to discriminate most individuals of generations on Rhus from M. rhois , but a definitive diagnosis is only possible using mitochondrial COI-5P sequence. Moss-feeding populations cannot currently be discriminated from those of M. rhois . It causes no significant damage to the host plants.
Wikipedia reference for Melaphis rhois: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melaphis_rhois.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Sternorrhyncha
- Superfamily
- Aphidoidea
- Family
- Aphididae (Aphids)
- Subfamily
- Eriosomatinae
- Tribe
- Fordini
- Genus
- Melaphis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
The interior surface of large globular leaf galls up to 50 mm long.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
From InfluentialPoints , Rhus glabra (Smooth Sumac) and R. typhina (Staghorn Sumac) are its primary host in our range. Winged adults migrate to mosses in mid-September.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Melaphis rhois. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Hemiptera (true bugs) includes over 80,000 described species across cicadas, aphids, leafhoppers, shield bugs, and bed bugs. Aphids alone cost global agriculture an estimated $2.5 billion annually in crop losses.
Ecological role of the group
Many Hemiptera are essential food sources for birds and predatory insects. Cicadas provide massive nutrient pulses during emergence events - a single Brood X emergence can involve trillions of individuals across 15 states.
Economic and practical significance of the group
The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) caused $37 million in apple crop losses in a single year in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region. Bed bug infestations in the U.S. increased by 500% between 2001-2010, costing the hotel industry hundreds of millions annually.
Recorded sources for this group: USDA, EPA, University research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Sumac Gall Aphid (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Charley Eiseman; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Edward Ruden
Frequently Asked Questions About Sumac Gall Aphid
What is Sumac Gall Aphid?
Sumac Gall Aphid (Melaphis rhois) is a species in the family Aphididae, within the order Hemiptera.
How do you identify Sumac Gall Aphid?
From InfluentialPoints , It is possible to distinguish between two of the species in the Melaphis rhois species group ( Melaphis rhois and Melaphis asafitchi ) when they are on the primary host. For Melaphis rhois the length of the apical rostral segment (RIV+V) of adult apterae on Rhus is 68 µm long (cf. Melaphis asafitchi on Rhus , which has RIV+V of adult apterae 68 µm long). From Foottit & Maw, the apical rostral segment of the adult winged female is 65 µm to 80 µm for M. rhois and 56 µm to 65 µm for M. asafitchi . . Foottit & Maw provide additional complex functions to discriminate most individuals of generations on Rhus from M. rhois , but a definitive diagnosis is only possible using mitochondrial COI-5P sequence. Moss-feeding populations cannot currently be discriminated from those of M. rhois .
Where is Sumac Gall Aphid found?
Habitat: The interior surface of large globular leaf galls up to 50 mm long.
What is the life cycle of a Sumac Gall Aphid?
From InfluentialPoints , Rhus glabra (Smooth Sumac) and R. typhina (Staghorn Sumac) are its primary host in our range. Winged adults migrate to mosses in mid-September.