Clyde F. Smith

Genetic Variation in the Myzus persicae Complex (Homoptera: Aphididae): Evidence for a Single Species

Abstract Genetic variation was assessed for the closely related aphids Myzus nicotianae Blackman and Myzus persicae (Sulzer), previously classified as a single species. Populations of both red and green color morphs, collected from tobacco and nontobacco hosts from 3 continents, were analyzed via random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD)-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase II (COII) and elongation factor- 1 alpha (EF-1α) gene sequencing. Three other Myzus species—M. cerasi (F.), M. hemerocallis Takahashi, and M. varians Davidson)—were used as outgroups in our analyses. RAPD-PCR analysis revealed many, easily detectable genetic polymorphisms between the Myzus persicae complex and the outgroup species. The small number of polymorphisms detected within the complex were not correlated with host plant or the geographic origin of populations. The sequences of both COII and EF-1α for all populations within the M. persicae complex were identical, although significant variation was evident between the M. persicae complex and outgroup taxa. These results strongly suggest the synonymy of M. persicae and M. nicotianae.

Life History and Synonymy of Grylloprociphilus Imbricator (Fitch) (Homoptera: Aphididae)

Fagiphagus Smith, 1974, is considered to be a junior synonym of Grylloprociphilus Smith and Pepper, 1968, and Grylloprociphilus frosti Smith and Pepper, 1968, is a synonym of Eriosoma imbricator Fitch, 1851. Grylloprociphilus imbricator (Fitch), n. comb., has American beech (Fagus grandifolia Ehrh.) as its primary host and the roots of bald cypress (Taxodium distichum (L.) Rich.) as its secondary host. The synonymy is discussed and a description is given of the apterous alienicola. Pheidole moerens (Wheeler) and Solenopsis invicta Buren (Formicidae) have been found as ant tenders.

Drepanaphis Tissoti, A New Species of Aphid from Florida

This species is easily recognized by the numerous accessory sensoria on antennal VI. Most of the known North American species of Drepanaphis have 4 accessory sensoria around the center primary sensorium. Drepanaphis sabrinae Miller usually has 5 or 6; D. tissoti, however has 8 to 14. The coloration of antennals I & II of tissoti is very similar to D. nigricans Smith but tissoti differs from nigricans in tubercles I and II being shorter, in averaging fewer sensoria on antenal III, and in having more accessory sensoria on VI. COLOR: The following notes on the coloration of living material were contributed by Dr. Tissot: Head-black with three longtudinal milk white stripes, one median and one on each side just inside the compound eyes, ocelli pale, eyes reddish. First two antennal segments dusky brown, segments III, IV and V very pale, with apices black, extreme base of VI pale, rest of basal portion dusky, filament dusky.

D. H. Hill Library

The D. H. Hill Library at North Carolina State College has acquired a 6,200-volume collection of entomological books. Many of the volumes are rare, very rare, and scarce. The collection weighed 5½ tons together with the packing. It was originally owned by Dr. Fredrich F. Tippmann, a Viennese engineer and amateur entomologist for most of his life. We feel this is a magnificent acquisition for North Carolina State College and know that we will be able to make good use of it, and we want our friends from other institutions to know about it so that they also Call make use of the collection either by visiting it here or through interlibrary loans. The vast majority of the items were not previously in the North Carolina State College Library, and a considerable number of the items are almost unprocurable today.