Myzus species

Two species of Myzus are known to occur on lettuce in Australia, although one, Myzus cymbalariae, is very uncommon. The other, the green peach aphid (Myzus persicae), is one of the most common and widespread species of aphid found in Australia.

1. Green Peach Aphid, Myzus persicae (Sulzer)

Hosts

Almost all dicotyledonous plants

Distribution

Widespread in most areas of the world except Africa.

Economic Importance

One of the most important aphid vectors, being known to transmit more than 100 plant viruses around the world.

Identification

The siphunculi of green peach aphid are very slightly clavate, often outwardly slightly convex on the inner side only. The anteriorly convergent antennal tubercles characteristic of Myzus, coupled with the lack of obviously clavate siphunculi, clearly identify this species. Nymphs of Myzus can usually be identified because even in young nymphs, the antennal tubercles are prominent, although not as distinctively developed as in the adults.

2. Myzus cymbalariae Stroyan

Hosts

A reasonably wide host range in a number of different plant families, including Asteraceae.

Distribution

Europe, Africa, South America, India, Australia and New Zealand

Identification

The anteriorly convergent antennal tubercles characteristic of Myzus, coupled with the obviously clavate siphunculi, clearly identify this species.