APHID-INDUCED GALLS ON PISTACIA IN THE NATURAL MEDITERRANEAN FOREST OF ISRAEL: WHICH, WHERE, AND HOW MANY?

ABSTRACT

Fifteen species of aphids belonging to the subfamily Fordinae (Pemphigidae, Homoptera) induce galls on wild Pistacia (Anacardiaceae) trees in Israel. In this paper I provide a summary of research on the distribution and abundance of the Fordinae in Israel, and indicate the principal ecological factors that may affect their geographical and genetical differentiation. The distribution of the Fordinae galls is primarily restricted by the ranges of their host trees, P. palaestina (8 galling species), P. atlantica (6), and P. lentiscus (1). Within these ranges, abundance of each galling species on individual trees depends on the location of the secondary host plants, on the ability of aphid spring migrants to recognize their primary host, and perhaps on genetical properties of the individual tree. Limited migratory ability of the aphids may result in genetic differentiation of geographical populations considered conspecific by morphological (taxonomical) criteria.