S. betae

Smynthurodes betae Westwood, 1849

Bean root aphid

1.6-2.9 mm.
Apterous: globular, yellowish white, covered with wax, covered with fine hairs.
Alate: antennae short, cornicles absent, cauda semi-circular, wing withe medial vein unbranched.

Dioecious holocyclic on Mediterranean Rim.
Anholocyclic elsewhere.

Primary host: Pistacia atlantica and P. mutica (pistachio).
Secondary hosts: Fabaceae: Phaseolus (haricot), Vicia (broad bean), Solanaceae: Lycopersicon (tomato), Chenopodiaceae: Beta (beet), Brassicaceae: Brassica (cabbage), Asteraceae: Cynara scolymus (artichoke), Tragopogon (salsify).

S. betae is often visited by ants and colonies can overwinter in ants’ nests.

S. betae is rare and not often encountered. It colonizes roots and collet  of diverse market-garden and wild plants.

Modification date : 07 February 2023 | Publication date : 08 November 2010 | Redactor : Evelyne Turpeau, Maurice Hullé, Bernard Chaubet