Occurrence of Macrosiphum hellebori Theobald & Walton (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in Australia.

The European aphid species, Macrosiphum hellebori, the hellebore aphid, is recorded from Australia, having been found in Melbourne, Victoria and in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, colonising ornamental hellebores, Helleborus species (Ranunculaceae). Insect associates of M. hellebori are recorded, including the hymenopterous primary parasite Lysiphlebus testaceipes (Cresson) (Braconidae: Aphidiinae). Keys are provided for the identification of the three species of Macrosiphum Passerini known from Australia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]