Ericaphis ericae (Borner, 1933)

cross-leaved heath aphid

on Calluna, Daboecia, Erica

Ericaphis ericae: aptera on Erica tetralix

Erica tetralix, UK © Bob Dransfield & Bob Brightwell, InfluentialPoints

gall

apterae, in the inflorescence and in the tip of the shoots, are very inconspicuous by their cryptic, brownish green, colour and their minute size, less than 2 mm. The is not dusted by wax, but rather shiny. The tips of antennae and legs are black; the cauda is sword-shaped. Alatae have on the abdomen a dark patch with clear windows.

host plants

Asteraceae, monophagous

Calluna vulgaris; Daboecia cantabrica; Erica tetralix.

references

Blackman & Eastop (2014), Dransfield & Brightwell (2015a), Heie (1992a), Influential Points (2017), Mier Durante (1978a), Mier Durante & Nieto Nafría (1983a), Tambs-Lyche (1970a).