First record of Aphis lugentis in Australia, tended by native ants on Senecio odoratus

We report the discovery of the invasive aphid Aphis lugentis for the first time in Australia. This aphid specialises on Compositae, particularly on Senecio species. Aphids were tended by several ant species at a site on Kangaroo Island, South Australia, which is unlikely to be the location of the original introduction. We recommend the investigation of the distribution of A. lugentis in Australia and its impacts on plant hosts including threatened species and associated native ant and aphid community structures.

Automated summary

The invasive aphid Aphis lugentis was discovered in Australia for the first time, specializing in Compositae plants and tended by various ant species. Further investigation into its distribution in Australia and impacts on plant hosts, including threatened species and associated native ant and aphid communities, is recommended.