2023 December 8

   New invertebrate species for Canada

On November 17 Charlene Wood examined under a microscope some aphid-like insects on a Bay Laurel Laurus nobilis in her garden. She suspected that they were Bay Suckers Lauritrioza alacris – a species of the Family Triozidae, related to the aphids.  This Mediterranean species had not been previously reported from Canada, so we delayed posting news of it until it was formally confirmed (as it has now been) by Dr Bob Foottit, aphid expert (retired) from the Canadian National Collection.  As its English name suggests, it sucks juice from the Bay Laurel, and forms galls there.  It probably came to Canada via the USA, where it had previously been found.

Adult female Lauritrioza alacris  (Hem.: Triozidae)  Charlene Wood

Adult female Lauritrioza alacris  (Hem.: Triozidae)  Charlene Wood

Nymphs of Lauritrioza alacris  (Hem.: Triozidae)  Charlene Wood