Summary
Both sycamore and lime aphids live on the leaves of their respective host trees. The sycamore aphid unlike the lime aphid has the ability to adapt metabolically to changes in temperature. The difference in ability of these two tree-dwelling aphids to adapt metabolically to changes in temperature can be related to their mode of life. The sycamore aphid lives on sycamore which is native to the mountainous areas of southern and central Europe where conditions are cool. Sycamore also has a longer growth period than lime as its buds burst earlier and it sheds its leaves later. Sycamore aphids are therefore naturally exposed to a wider range of temperatures than lime aphids.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
References
Dixon, A. F. G.: Reproductive activity of the sycamore aphid, Drepanosiphum platanoides (Schr.) (Hemiptera, Aphididae). J. Anim. Ecol. 32, 33–48 (1963).
Dixon, A. F. G.: The effect of population density and nutritive status of the host on the summer reproductive activity of the sycamore aphid, Drepanosiphum platanoides (Schr.). J. Anim. Ecol. 35, 105–112 (1966).
Dixon, A. F. G.: Quality and availability of food for a sycamore aphid population. In: Animal populations in relation to their food resources A. Watson, Ed., p. 271–287. Oxford: Blackwell 1970a.
Dixon, A. F. G.: Aphids as root-fluid feeders. In: Methods of study in soil ecology, J. Phillipson, Ed., p. 243–247. Paris: UNESCO 1970b.
Dixon, A. F. G.: The role of intra-specific mechanisms and predation in regulating the numbers of the lime aphid, Eucallipterus tiliae L. Oecologia (Berl.) 8, 179–193 (1971a).
Dixon, A. F. G.: Migration in aphids. Sci. Prog. Oxf. 59, 41–53 (1971b).
Dixon, A. F. G.: Control and significance of the seasonal development of colour forms in the sycamore aphid, Drepanosiphum platanoides (Schr.). J. Anim. Ecol. 41, 689–697 (1972a).
Dixon, A. F. G.: The “interval time”, photoperiod and temperature in the seasonal development of parthenogenetic and sexual morphs in the lime aphid, Eucallipterus tiliae L. Oecologia (Berl.) 9, 301–310 (1972b).
Dixon, A. F. G., McKay, S.: Aggregation in the sycamore aphid Drepanosiphum platanoides (Schr.) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and its relevance to the regulation of population growth. J. Anim. Ecol. 39, 439–454 (1970).
Engelmann, M. D.: A constant pressure respirometer for small arthropods. Ent. News 74, 181–186 (1963).
Hunter, A. S.: Effects of temperature on Drosophila—IV. Adaptation of D. immigrans. Comp. Biochem. Physiol. 24, 327–333 (1968).
Llewellyn, M. J.: The ecological energetics of the lime aphid (Eucallipterus tiliae L.) and its effect on tree growth. Ph. D. Thesis, University of Glasgow (1970).
McNaughton, F. C.: The energy required by sycamore aphids and their effect on the growth of sycamore. Ph. D. Thesis, University of Glasgow (1970).
Tóth, L.: The protein metabolism of aphids. Ann. Mus. Hist. nat. Hung. 33, 167–170 (1940).
Wellington, W. G.: Effects of radiation on the temperatures of insectan habitats. Scient. Agric. 30, 209–234 (1950).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
About this article
Cite this article
Dixon, A.F.G. Metabolic acclimatization to seasonal changes in temperature in the sycamore aphid, Drepanosiphum platanoides (Schr.), and lime aphid, Eucallipterus tiliae L.. Oecologia 13, 205–210 (1973). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00360511
Received:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00360511