Pterocallis maculata
This record describes Pterocallis maculata (species). Recorded family: Aphididae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Adult apterae of Pterocallis maculata are yellowish-green or green, with a pattern of diffuse dark green dorsal cross bands, giving an overall blotchy appearance. The body length of the aptera is 1.4 to 2.1 mm. The P. maculata alate has a pale green abdomen and dark-tipped siphunculi. It usually lives in sizeable colonies, often grouped around the mid-rib, and is nearly always attended by ants. Pterocallis alni is also found on Alder but and they live dispersed on the leaves, not in big colonies like P. maculata . Also P. alni has few or no dark green markings whereas P. maculata has many. P. alni is hardly ever ant attended, whilst P. maculata is nearly always ant attended. Good close-up photographs required. Please state the host plant. Summer to Autumn. Apterous males and oviparae occur in September-October. Seems to be rather local in Britain and is uncommon in some areas. https://influentialpoints.com/Gallery/Pterocallis_maculata_green-barred_alder_aphid.htm No additional images available for this species.
Classification
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Found on Alder.
Seasonal Activity
Summer to Autumn. Apterous males and oviparae occur in September-October.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Ant attended.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Seems to be rather local in Britain and is uncommon in some areas.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Pterocallis maculata. 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 Pterocallis maculata (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Pterocallis maculata
What is Pterocallis maculata?
Pterocallis maculata is a species in the family Aphididae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Pterocallis maculata?
of the aptera is 1.4 to 2.1 mm. The
Where is Pterocallis maculata found?
Habitat: Found on Alder.
When is Pterocallis maculata active?
Pterocallis maculata: seasonal activity - Summer to Autumn. Apterous males and oviparae occur in September-October..
What is the life cycle of a Pterocallis maculata?
Ant attended.