INCIDENCE OF SPIREA APHID (HOMOPTERA: APHIDIDAE) IN APPLE ORCHARDS IN VIRGINIA, WEST VIRGINIA, AND MARYLAND

Abstract
Spirea aphid, Aphis spiraecola Patch, greatly outnumbered [87% A. spiraecola (S.D. ± 3.4)] apple aphid, Aphis pomi DeGeer, in apple orchards sampled in spring of 1986 in Virginia, West Virginia and Maryland. Apple as a primary host of A. spiraecola was shown for the first time by the presence of oviparae in the fall and fundatrices in the spring. Based on this survey, we suggest future research with “apple aphids” include species determination and preservation of voucher specimens.