Blanchardaphis poikila syn. n. to B. capitophoroides and Blanchardaphis syn. n. to Lambersius (Hemiptera, Aphididae, Aphidinae, Macrosiphini, Uroleucon)

Blanchardaphis was erected for two Argentinian species of aphids very similar to Uroleucon, but distinguished by several characters. Here, we examined morphology and DNA sequences of Blanchardaphis specimens from Argentina and Chile. We further conducted a phylogenetic analysis to determine the relationship of Blanchardaphis to Uroleucon. We found minor morphological and genetic differences between Blanchardaphis samples based on geography, which appear to be population-level variation. On the basis of current evidence, we conclude that B. poikila (Ortego, Nieto Nafria & Mier Durante, 1997) is synonymous with B. capitophoroides (Blanchard, 1942), and that Blanchardaphis Ortego, Nieto Nafria & Mier Durante, 1998 is synonymous with Lambersius Olive, 1965 (subgenus of Uroleucon) sensu Nieto Nafria et al. 2007 or alternatively with the subgenus Uroleucon.

Automated summary

This study examined morphology and DNA sequences of Blanchardaphis specimens from Argentina and Chile, and conducted a phylogenetic analysis to determine their relationship with Uroleucon. Minor morphological and genetic differences were found between Blanchardaphis samples, which appear to be population-level variation. Based on current evidence, it is concluded that B. poikila is synonymous with B. capitophoroides, and that Blanchardaphis is synonymous with Lambersius (a subgenus of Uroleucon) or alternatively with the subgenus Uroleucon.