Kauaʻi record · KCA-IA-00160
Mealy Fennel Aphid
Dysaphis foeniculus
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About Mealy Fennel Aphid
Mealy Fennel Aphid (Dysaphis foeniculus) is a member of Aphididae in the order Hemiptera. Its recorded origin status on Kauaʻi is introduced.
Dysaphis foeniculus, the mealy fennel aphid, is an introduced aphid documented from Kauaʻi. It feeds mainly on members of the carrot family (Apiaceae), including fennel, carrot, celery and related plants, and recent research shows that it can expand onto additional apiaceous hosts. Colonies withdraw phloem sap and can be tended by ants; local Kauaʻi host use and crop importance remain to be documented.
Kauaʻi occurrence evidence: Matsunaga, Howarth & Kumashiro (2019) Table 1 includes Kauaʻi island code 'Ka'; first-detection year shown as 1942; reported island distribution: Ha, Ka, Ma, Oa.
The cited occurrence evidence does not by itself establish current abundance or population trend on Kauaʻi.
Life cycle
Nymphs and winged/wingless adults. In mild regions populations may remain on apiaceous hosts for long periods; detailed Kauaʻi seasonal cycling is unresolved.
Habitat
Apiaceae in gardens, farms, roadsides and disturbed vegetation.
Food and ecological role
Phloem sap from fennel, carrot, celery and other Apiaceae.
Reproduction
Rapid parthenogenetic reproduction during favorable conditions; seasonal sexual stages vary by climate and population.
Movement
Winged adults disperse among host patches; infested produce or plant material may assist movement.
Ecosystem role
Introduced sap feeder on Apiaceae.
Threats and impacts
Can become an agricultural pest on fennel and related crops; Kauaʻi impact is not quantified.
Monitoring
Record exact Apiaceae host, colony density, ant attendance and winged forms; preserve vouchers for unusual host records.
Names and classification
- Scientific name
- Dysaphis foeniculus
- Common names
- Mealy Fennel Aphid
- Family
- Aphididae
- Order
- Hemiptera
- Record type
- species
Kauaʻi occurrence and status
- Kauaʻi occurrence
- Present
- Origin
- Introduced
- Conservation status
- Not assessed
Process and seasonal context
- Seasonal description
- Mealy Fennel Aphid (Dysaphis foeniculus) is a member of Aphididae in the order Hemiptera. Its recorded origin status on Kauaʻi is introduced.