Checklist of Georgian aphids (Hemiptera: Aphidomorpha)

Area of Science:

• Entomology
• Zoology
• Biodiversity

Background:

• Aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) are significant agricultural pests globally.
• Georgia's aphid fauna requires comprehensive documentation for pest management and biodiversity assessment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To catalog aphid species found in Georgia, providing distribution data and literature references.
• To identify aphid species that are pests of cultivated plants in Georgia.
• To document newly described and newly recorded aphid taxa for Georgia.

Main Methods:

• Compilation of existing literature and museum records.
• Taxonomic identification and classification of aphid specimens.
• Analysis of distribution data within Georgia.

Main Results:

• A comprehensive list of 355 aphid species, 118 genera, 21 tribes, 11 subfamilies, and 3 families is presented.
• 98 aphid species across 47 genera are identified as pests of cultivated plants.
• Three genera, 17 species, and one subspecies of aphids were newly described from Georgia. The genera *Loniceraphis*, *Pseudacaudella*, and *Shivaphis*, along with nine specific species, are recorded from Georgia for the first time.

Conclusions:

• This checklist significantly expands the known aphid diversity in Georgia.
• The identification of pest species provides crucial data for agricultural strategies.
• The study highlights the importance of ongoing taxonomic research for understanding regional biodiversity and managing agricultural impacts.