Geoica utricularia (Passerini, 1856)

Albrecht, Anders Christian, 2015, Identification guide to Nordic aphids associated with mosses, horsetails and ferns (Bryophyta, Equisetophyta, Polypodiophyta) (Insecta, Hemiptera, Aphidoidea), European Journal of Taxonomy 145, pp. 1-55 : 21-22

Geoica utricularia (Passerini, 1856)

Fig. 17

Diagnosis

Apterae 1.2–2.2 mm, cream to light brown, dusted with white wax. Legs and antennae short and stout, tarsi two-segmented. Body with numerous brown spatulate hairs. Dioecious, alternating between leaf

galls on pistachio Pistacia (Anacardiaceae) and grasses ( Poaceae ). In Northern Europe anholocyclic on grass roots ( Poaceae ). I have observed a few individuals feeding on Polytrichum commune * ( Polytrichaceae ) in a Lasius flavus nest mound during extreme drought when the grasses had dried out. Always accompanied by Lasius ants.

Distribution

D F S.

Recorded moss host

Polytrichaceae Polytrichum commune (occasionally).

Figures

Fig. 17. Geoica utricularia (Passerini, 1856). Apt. on grass root.