Re: Aphids on Pistia

---

Hey, Ted!

 

Years ago I had a severe aphid infestation on my Pistia, Lemna and Spirodella. I went out and collected some Hydrometrids, or “water measurers” or “marsh treaders” if you prefer. These predatory insects did a great job of cleaning them out. I put three in the aquarium and in a month the aphids were gone and I had many more Hydrometrids. You will find them in Michigan walking on permanent water where there is heavy emergent vegetation and protection from waves. I have found them on large lakes in northern Montana where there are small protected inlets with lots of emergent vegetation and shade. I have also found them along quiet streams under overhanging banks.

 

Here are some links:

 

http://insects.ummz.lsa.umich.edu/~ethanbr/aim/sp/heteroptera/sp_hom_hydrometridae.html

 

http://www.umd.umich.edu/eic/aquatic_insecta/hemiptera/hydrometridae_family.htm

 

http://www.waterbugkey.vcsu.edu/php/familydetail.php?idnum=9&f=Hydrometridae&ls=adult

 

Cheers,

Christopher

 

D. Christopher Rogers

Senior Invertebrate Ecologist/ Taxonomist

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-----Original Message-----
From: aroid-l-bounces@gizmoworks.com [mailto:aroid-l-bounces@gizmoworks.com] On Behalf Of Theodore Held
Sent: Thursday, July 16, 2009 11:05 AM
To: Aroid-l@gizmoworks.com
Subject: [Aroid-l] Aphis on Pistia

 

Dear List,

 

To my surprise I found that an aquarium of mine with a layer of

floating Pistia contained numerous tiny aphids, evidently parasitising

what I assumed previously to be a pest-resistant aroid. The aphids in

question are slightly yellowish-brown in color. Other Pistia I have

are not infested. Does anyone have any knowledge of this curiosity?

 

I can send a vial of preserved specimens in case we have a legit

parasitologist reading this.

 

Ted Held

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