Asaphocrita aphidiella

(Walsingham, 1907)

Sort #: 1289 | P #: 591733 | MPG #: 1171
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Larval substrate: Phylloxera aphid galls on Carya sp. (Hickory)
Phenology: Adult: 6/16 (1 record)

Comment: A. aphidiella is a complex of several species, as recognized by their DNA barcodes, three of which have so far been found in Massachusetts. The species as described by Walsingham is a dark species 'tawny reddish gray' with darker discal spots. The black and white species most usually identified as 'aphidiella' is therefore not that species, but probably what was described as A. confluentella by Dietz and here referred to as 'Asaphocrita cf. confluentella'. Of the two dark species found in Massachusetts it is not certain which is the actual 'aphidiella'. It might be this or the next one - we will have to await an official revision of the group to discover which. Adults can probably not be distinguished without DNA.

Status in MA (automated assessment): Restricted distribution, rare
Status in N. America: Native
MA Endangered Species Act status: None
First Year Reported: 2018
Last Year Reported: 2018

Distribution by County: Berkshire
Number of Records: 2