Ceroplastes theobromae

Hodgson, Chris J. & Peronti, Ana L. B. G., 2012, 3372, Zootaxa 3372, pp. 1-265 : 171-172

Key to adult females of C. theobromae -group

1. Claw digitules both broad.............................................................................. 2

- Claw digitules clearly different, 1 significantly narrower than other.............................................. 7

2. Spiracular disc-pore bands wide, at least twice as wide as spiracular peritreme along entire length, each with over 100 spiracular disc-pores; dorsal setae at least as long as width of basal socket and usually clearly longer.................... 3

- Spiracular disc-pore band rather narrow near each spiracle but widening abruptly near margin, each with 30–50 spiracular disc-pores; dorsal setae extremely short, clearly shorter than width of basal socket.. C. hodgsoni (Matile-Ferrero & Le Ruyet)

3. Each group of stigmatic setae with>100 mainly roundly conical setae extending onto dorsum, each group clearly longer than wide; dorsal setae each quite short with a blunt apex; each claw with a small denticle................. C. uvariae Marchal

- Each group of stigmatic setae with <100 setae; other characters not in this combination.............................. 4

4. Each stigmatic cleft with a fairly shallow group of less than 30 stigmatic setae, each group triangular, clearly wider than long; dorsal setae each about as long as width of basal socket.......................... C. mori Hodgson & Peronti sp. nov.

- Each stigmatic cleft with>50 stigmatic setae, each group at least as long as wide; dorsal setae mostly clearly longer than width of basal socket....................................................................................... 5

5. Each group of stigmatic setae elongate, either about as wide as long or longer, each group at least 10 setae deep and with less than 10 setae along margin.................................................................. C. royenae Hall

- Each group of stigmatic setae clearly wider than long, each group no more than 7 or 8 setae deep but with at least 12 setae along margin......................................................................................... 6

6. Loculate microducts with 3 satellite loculi frequent in wax-plate lines; ventral tubular ducts present associated with anogenital fold; at least some stigmatic setae roundly conical...................................... C. quadrilineatus Newstead

- Loculate microducts with 3 satellite loculi absent; ventral tubular ducts absent; stigmatic setae all rather sharply conical............................................................................ C. elaeis Hodgson & Peronti sp. nov.

7. Each stigmatic cleft with a roundish group of more than 70 (usually more than 100) stigmatic setae; each anal plate with 5–7 large dorsal setae..................................................................... C. lamborni Newstead

- Each stigmatic cleft with an elongate, rather triangular group of less than 70 stigmatic setae; each anal plate with 3 or 4 large dorsal setae...................................................................... C. theobromae Newstead.