Some aphid waxes, their form and function (Homoptera: Aphididae)

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Abstract
The visible wax coatings of 9 spp. [Schizolachnus pineti, Eulachnus rileyi, Phyllaphis fagi, Aphis fabae, Brevicoryne brassicae, Hayhurstia atriplicis, Pemphigus spirothecae, Eriosoma lanuginosum and E. lanigerum] of Aphididae, distributed through 6 tribes in 4 subfamilies, are examined by means of the Scanning Electron Microscope. The micromorphology of the extrusions is described and illustrated, as are the cuticular specializations via which the coatings are constructed. The relationships between the form and possible functions of the wax are discussed in light of the results, as is the degree of correlation between its morphology and current opinion concerning the classification of the family.