Notes on Cerataphis brasiliensis and synonyms palmae, variabilis and fransseni (Homoptera: Aphididae), with a key to cerataphis species living on palms and orchids

Abstract

Cerataphis brasiliensis (Hempel) is established as a valid species. This specific name predates Cerataphis palmac (Ghesquiere), Cerataphis variabilis Hille Ris Lambers and Cerataphis fransseni (Hille Ris Lambers) which are considered synonyms of C. brasiliensis. The availability of topotypes of C. brasiliensis and syntypes of C. palmae is disclosed, lectotypes and paralectotypes of C. palmae and C. variabilis are designated, and the life cycle of C. fransseni is noted. A key is provided for the identification of species of Cerataphis living on palms and orchids.