The Genus aphidura (Hemiptera, Aphididae) in the collection of the Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle of Paris, with six new species

Abstract

Specimens were studied of 65 samples of the genus Aphidura (Aphididae, Aphidinae, Macrosiphini) from the collection of the Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle (Paris). The possible synonymies of three pairs of species are discussed. New aphid host plant relationships are reported for A. bozhkoae, A. delmasi, A. ornata, A. pannonica and A. picta; this last species is recorded for first time from Afghanistan. The record of A. pujoli from Pakistan is refuted. The fundatrices, oviparous females and males of A. delmasi are described. Six new species are established: A. gallica sp. n. and A. amphorosiphon sp. n. from specimens caught on species of Silene (Caryophyllaceae) from France and Iran, respectively, A. pakistanensis sp. n., A. graeca sp. n. and A. urmiensis sp. n. from specimens caught on species of Dianthus, Gypsophila and Spergula (Caryophyllaceae) from Pakistan, Greece and Iran, respectively, and A. iranensis sp. n. from specimens caught on Prunus sp. from Iran. Modifications are made to the keys by Blackman and Eastop to aphids living on Dianthus, Gypsophyla, Silene, Spergula and Prinsepia and Prunus (Rosaceae). An identification key to apterous viviparous females of species of Aphidura is also provided.