CHECKLIST DISTRIBUTION HOST RANGE AND ECOLOGY OF APHIDOIDEA (HOMOPTERA) FROM THE RAINFED REGION OF PUNJAB PROVINCE OF PAKISTAN

The aphids, an important group of insect pests, have been neglected since long in rainfed region (Barani areas) of the Punjab. In this regard, an extensive survey of this region was carried out to explore the aphid fauna, its distribution, and some of its ecological aspects. The survey was conducted during 2003 and 2004; yielding 24 aphid species in 17 genera, which represented four families viz., Aphididae, Callaphididae, Chaitophoridae and Pemphigidae. Of these, Rhodobium porosum, Coloradoa rufomaculata, and Myzus varians have been recorded for the first time in Pakistan. Whereas, Aphis nerii, A. craccivora, A. fabae, A. citricola, and Coloradoa rufumaculata are found to be ant attended.