Effect of host plant on morphology of Pterochloroides persicae Cholodkovsky 1899 (Hemiptera, Aphididae)

Abstract

Morphological differentiation of insect population in relation to the use of different host plants is an important phenomenon that leads to ecological specialization. In this study, we describe the morphological variation of Pterochloroides persicae Cholodkovsky 1899 individuals originating from three host-plants, peach, almond and plum, from two localities in Tunisia which has similar climatic conditions. 13 morphological characters were investigated in 90 wingless aphids collected from plants of the three host species. A significant difference was observed in length of antennal segment I, IV and V, in length of body and in length of siphunculi. Results indicate that host plant species can affect the morphology of P. persicae.