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Title: Molecular and biometric assessment of Myzodium mimulicola (Drew & Sampson) (Hemiptera, Aphididae), new synonymy, host, and distributional data

Author
item PIKE, K. - Washington State University
item FOOTTIT, R. - Agriculture And Agri-Food Canada
item MAW, E. - Agriculture And Agri-Food Canada
item Miller, Gary
item GRAF, G. - Washington State University

Submitted to: The Canadian Entomologist
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/16/2010
Publication Date: 9/20/2010
Citation: Pike, K.S., Foottit, R.G., Maw, E., Miller, G.L., Graf, G. 2010. Molecular and biometric assessment of Myzodium mimulicola (Drew & Sampson) (Hemiptera, Aphididae), new synonymy, host, and distributional data. The Canadian Entomologist. 142:448-457.

Interpretive Summary: The feeding damage of aphids and their ability to transmit diseases cause billions of dollars yearly to commercial plants. Using morphological and molecular characters this research clarifies the identity of an aphid species that was previously misidentified. New host and distributional data for North America are presented, including the first record from Alaska. This information will be used by scientists and regulatory personnel for species identification and determining relationships with other species of aphids.

Technical Abstract: Molecular and biometric assessment and subsequent redescription of Myzodium mimulicola (Drew & Sampson) is provided. New host and distributional data for North America are presented, including the first record from Alaska. The current study determined that Myzodium knowltoni (Smith & Robinson) is a junior subjective synonym of M. mimulicola based on molecular sequence and morphological evidence. A taxonomic key to the North American Myzodium is provided for species identification.