Rice Root Aphid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rice Root Aphid |
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| galls on elm leaf | |
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Aphididae
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T. nigriabdominalis
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| Tetraneura nigriabdominalis (Sasaki, 1899)
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The oriental grass root aphid (also called the rice root aphid), Tetraneura nigriabdominalis, is a tiny insect. It belongs to a group of insects called aphids. Aphids are known for sucking sap, which is like the plant's blood, from different plants.
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What is an Aphid?
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects. They are part of the order Hemiptera, which includes many "true bugs." These bugs have special mouthparts that work like tiny straws. They use these to pierce plants and drink their sap.
Life Cycle of the Rice Root Aphid
The rice root aphid has an interesting life cycle. It uses two different types of plants to complete its life. These are called its "hosts."
Primary Host: Elm Trees
The first host for these aphids is usually an elm tree. A special female aphid, called the "founding mother," lays her eggs on an elm leaf. When these eggs hatch, the young aphids start feeding on the leaf. This feeding causes the elm leaf to grow strange bumps or swellings. These bumps are called galls. The young aphids live and grow inside these galls, safe from many dangers. They feed on the plant sap from inside the gall.
Secondary Host: Grasses and Cereals
After growing inside the elm galls, the aphids develop wings. They become adult "alates." These winged adults then fly away from the elm tree. They go to their second type of host plant. These secondary hosts are usually the roots of grasses and cereals. Cereals include plants like rice, wheat, or corn. The aphids then continue their life cycle on the roots of these plants.
Where Do They Live?
Scientists believe the rice root aphid first came from Asia. But over time, it has spread to many other parts of the world. You can now find it in southern and south-east Europe. It has also spread to the USA. Because they feed on important crops like rice and other cereals, these aphids can sometimes be a problem for farmers.
