Melissoaspis reticulata Ben-Dov

Ben-Dov, Yair, 2010, On new taxa and some described armoured scale insects (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) living in the galleries of the ant Melissotarsus insularis Santschi (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Madagascar, Zootaxa 2368, pp. 49-58 : 52

Melissoaspis reticulata Ben-Dov n. sp.

( Fig. 2 )

Shape and colour of scale covering of the adult female unknown, since all specimens of the type-series were scale-less.

Male not observed.

Adult female; as in generic diagnosis, but body circular-oval; 0.5–1.3 mm long, 0.4–0.6 mm wide. Pygidium with poorly-defined 4 pairs of lobes; median lobes narrowly separated from each other, together forming a broad triangular projection; second lobes triangular; third lobes smaller than the second; fourth lobes triangular. Segmental setae on pygidial margin each 16–30 μm long. Without pygidial marginal scleroses. Without perivulvar pores. Dorsum of abdominal segments VIII, VII and VI with a reticulated pattern of dark and bright areas which are disposed perpendicularly to pygidial margin. Anal opening oval, about 14 μm long, 7 μm wide; separated from pygidial apex at a distance about 7 times its longer axis. Vulva placed at a level about twice that of anal opening. Anterior and posterior spiracles without perispiracular pores. Antennal tubercle situated submarginally, with one hair. Microducts, of 1-barred type, each about 25 μm long, 1 μm in diameter; on venter disposed submarginally from pygidium up to level with posterior spiracle, plus a few anterior to both spiracles; a few also disposed near pygidial margin on dorsum. Dorsal intersegmental line between segments IV and III present as a discontinued, dark, sclerotised line.

Etymology. The species epithet refers to the reticulated pattern on the pygidial dorsum of the adult female.

Type material. All specimens were collected in Madagascar by B.L. Fisher, from galleries of Melissotarsus insularis Santschi , on various host plants. Holotype female (C-3600-1): Toliara Province, Réserve Privé Berenty, Forêt de Bealoka, Mandraré River, 14.6 km 329° NNW Amboasary, Elevation 35m 24°57'25"S 46°16'17"E, host plant not recorded, 8.ii.2002. Paratypes: 2 females same collection data as holotype. Also 2 females: (C-3606), Toliara Province, Réserve Privé Berenty, Forêt de Bealoka, Mandraré River, 14.6 km 329° NNW Amboasary, elevation 35m, 24°57'25"S 46°16'17"E, 8.iii.2002, on Albizia sp. ( Fabaceae ). Also 3 females, (C - 3619): Toliara Province, Forêt de Mite, 20.7 km 29° WNW Tongobory, Elevation 75m 23°31'27"S 44°7'17"E, host plant not recorded, 27.ii.2002. Also 4 females (C-3621): Toliara Province, Parc National d'Andohahela, Forêt de Manantalinjo, 33.6 km 63° ENE Amboasary, 7.6 km 99° E Hazofotsy, Elevation 150m, 24°49'1"S 4°36'36"E, 16.i.2002, on Boscia longifolia (Brassicaceae) . The holotype is deposited, in ICVI; paratypes will be deposited in the collections of BMNH, MNHN and USNM.

Figures

FIGURE 2. Adult female of Melissoaspis reticulata Ben-Dov, n. sp.