166 Memoirs of the Indian Museum. Vor ANA 
rate descriptions are available in the literature cited above no further characterisation 
is given here. My figures sufficiently indicate the morphological characters. 
Systematic.—The genus Rhopalosiphum, Koch, has several characters in common 
with Macrosiphum, but is distinguished at once by the clavate cornicles. According 
to the latest definition Rhopalosiphum ought to have a few secondary sensoria on 
the 3rd antennal article of the apterous viviparous female. The cauda is said to be 
about 4—+ the length of the cornicle. The Punjab species differs somewhat in 
having a longer cauda. Moreover, in an otherwise excellent description with plates 
by Theobald (Jour. Econ. Biology, III, 3, 1912) no sensoria are shown on the apte- 
rous antennae of R. lactucae on Ribis sp., while their number on article IV of the 
antennae of the alate female is from 17-20; in the Lahore specimens I have never 
found them to be more than from 10-13. Measurements are not given by Theobald 
but the Lahore specimens agree fairly well with those of Buckton although the latter 
mentions the apterous female antennae as smaller than the body but figures it longer, 
which, as a matter of fact, it is. 
In spite of these minor apparent differences I believe that the Indian insect is 
identical with the European and the American form. 
So far it has not been observed to infest any plant of economic value, as it does 
gooseberries in the West; nor is anything known of its further life-history after its 
disappearance in June. Its appearance also in the beginning of May is equally 
sudden, and it has been met with at no other time of the year. Of course there is 
no record of its existence in India before this. | 
Myzus persicae (Sulz.) 
Syn.—Rhopalosiphum dianthi (Schr.) 
Synonyms and Literature.—There is plenty of literature current both in Europe 
and America concerning this notorious and cosmopolitan plant-louse. It has either 
been described as Rhopalosiphum dianthi or as Myzus persicae, although these are by 
no means its only synonyms. Some of them, along with an accurate colour descrip- 
tion, will be found in Buckton’s Monog. Brit. Aphides, II, p. 15. But perhaps the 
latest with an excellent account of its morphology and life-history, as well as some of 
the more important literature, will be found in two papers, one by Prof. Gillette 
in the Jour. Econ. Ent., vol. I, p. 359, 1908, and another in the same volume on 
page 83 by Taylor. The latter author has discussed and conducted some remedial 
measures also. A very useful summary of their work is given conjointly with fine 
illustrations in Bulletin Nos. 133 and 134, Colorado Exp. Station, 1908. 
Indian references. —Indian notices of this Aphid may be seen in Ind. Mus. Notes, 
vol. IV, no. I, p. 23, 1896, where the description is copied from Buckton, and vol. IV, 
no. 4, p. 197, 1899, which contains a list of European host-plants as given by Walker. 
An indifferent plate accompanies the former reference, which is evidently a poor 
reproduction of Buckton’s. The same has been figured by Lefroy in Ind. Ins. Lire; 
P- 744, 1909. 
It has been reported from Calcutta on rape and brinjal (Solanum melongena). 
