Author
 |
Jensen, Andrew |
|
Stoetzel, Manya |
|
Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 5/5/1998 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Aphids are one of the most important groups of pestiferous insects worldwide, damaging annual and perennial crops, ornamental plants, and forest trees. Information regarding most aphids is scattered through older, obscure literature, which often contains mistakes and misidentifications. In addition, many aphids are organized into various groups that may or may not reflect natural relationships. In the case of groups of aphids containing pest species, it is particularly important to place related species together to facilitate further study in areas such as biological control. This paper examines the North American species currently placed in a group of aphids known as the genus Ovatus. One of the species has a strong potential to emerge as a pest on a number of crops, especially in the western U.S.A. The monophyly of the genus Ovatus van der Goot is tested using ten of the world's species, and the current placement of four endemic North American species is critically examined. Results of cladistic analyses clearly indicate that Ovatus does not constitute a monophyletic group, and that the four endemic North American species are better placed in Myzus Passerini. The four endemic North American species are transferred to Myzus on an interim basis, and information on each species is compiled and presented. Illustrations are provided, along with a key to the four North American species removed from Ovatus, and notes on the single remaining species of Ovatus in North America, Ovatus crataegarius (Walker). This information will be useful to researchers working on biological control of pest insects. |
