Description of the insect

• The eggs  winter (figure 1) of Daktulosphaira vitifoliae measure less than 0.3mm, have an oval shape and a yellow-green color, and are more or less shiny.

• The larvae (figure 2)  are pear-shaped and yellow-green in color, except the overwintering larvae which are darker. Their size varies according to the stage of development; they can reach 1.2 mm long. The radicole neonate larvae only move a short distance depending on the clay concentration.

• Compared to the larvae, the " nymphs " have a more elongated body and a more orange color. In addition, they have wing blanks.

• Regarding adults (Figure 3) , a  distinction should be made between ranching adults, gallicole adults, winged adults, which reproduce by parthenogenesis, and sexual adults.
  • The root adults are wingless, almond shaped, and dark yellow to brown in color. They are between 0.5mm and 1mm long. Their cuticle is adorned with areolas with small white hairs in the center. We also note the presence of 3 long rostral bristles.
  • The gall adults are larger (1.5 mm) and more than globular root lesion forms. They have shorter rostral bristles. First light yellow in color, they gradually turn orange-yellow.
  • The winged adults resemble small cicadas. They have an elongated body with a black thorax, the rest of the insect being reddish. Their body measures between 1 and 1.5 mm, without taking into account the wings which largely exceed this size. This is the form of swarming of the species.
  • The sexed adults are smaller than previous adult and they have no rostrum or the wing. This form is characterized by a slender body, lack of power and a short lifespan. There is a sexual dimorphism: females, light yellow in color, are larger than males, bright yellow in color.