Brachycaudus (Thuleaphis) amygdalinus (Schouteden, 1905)

Morphological characters

1.6-2.1 mm.
Apterous: pale with a small dark spot in centre of abdomen.
Alate: antennae very short, dark patch on abdomen, cornicles very short, conical and dark, cauda short and rounded.

Dioecious holocyclic.
B. amygdalinus can sometimes sustain themselves all year round in the parthenogenic form on its secondary host.

Primary hosts: Prunus dulcis (almond), Prunus persica (peach).
Secondary host: Polygonum persicaria (lady’s thumb).

Particular characteristics

B. amygdalinus causes strong early-stage crinkling of leaves, involving tight rolling of the blade which yellows.

Parasitoids

• Aphidius matricariae
• Diaeretiella rapae
• Ephedrus persicae