| Melaphis chinensis | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Hemiptera |
| Superfamily: | Aphidoidea |
| Family: | Pemphigidae |
| Genus: | Melaphis |
| Species: | M. chinensis |
| Binomial name | |
| Melaphis chinensis Bell |
|
Melaphis chinensis, the Chinese sumac aphid, is an aphid species in the genus Melaphis.
The species produce galls on the Chinese sumac (Rhus chinensis). The gall is called Chinese gall, Galla Chinensis or wu bei zi (五倍子) in Chinese. It is rich in gallotannins, a type of hydrolysable tannins. The infestation by Chinese sumac aphids can lead to a gall which is valued as a commercial product. Chinese galls are used in Chinese medicine to treat coughs, diarrhea, night sweats, dysentry and to stop intestinal and uterine bleeding.[1]