Watch out: the weather is warming and the American ragwort aphids are *multiplying*.
American ragwort aphids specialise on Senecio plants, of which NZ has many species, including some threatened endemic species.
The aphid arrived in NZ (somehow) in 2023, and has since got to work munching on our plants. The American aphids are also now being tended and protected by exotic Australian ants.
In the South Island these aphids are still restricted to Christchurch city (at least based on observations on #iNaturalist and #GBIF).
It would be great if you could keep a look out for them in other places. They're the only big black aphid in NZ (black bodies and legs).
Here are three of my observations of them from this month.
#aphids #PlantInsectInteractions #herbivory #BiologicalInvasions #NZ #Christchurch #iNaturalistNZ #insects #entomology
