Species Of Scale Insects Research Articles

Barbenigma Powell & Miller, a bizarre new genus and two new species of scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Ortheziidae) from the United States

Barbenigma Powell & Miller, a bizarre new genus and two new species of scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Ortheziidae) from the United States

Phylogeny and evolution of hemipteran insects based on expanded genomic and transcriptomic data

BackgroundHemiptera is the fifth species-rich order of insects and the most species-rich order of hemimetabolous insects, including numerous insect species that are of agricultural or medical significance. Despite much effort and recent advance in inferring the Hemiptera phylogeny, some high-level relationships among superfamilies remain controversial.ResultsWe sequenced the genomes of 64 hemipteran species from 15 superfamilies and the transcriptomes of two additional scale insect species, integrating them with existing genomic and transcriptomic data to conduct a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of Hemiptera. Our datasets comprise an average of 1625 nuclear loci of 315 species across 27 superfamilies of Hemiptera. Our analyses supported Cicadoidea and Cercopoidea as sister groups, with Membracoidea typically positioned as the sister to Cicadoidea + Cercopoidea. In most analyses, Aleyrodoidea was recovered as the sister group of all other Sternorrhyncha. A sister-group relationship was supported between Coccoidea and Aphidoidea + Phylloxeroidea. These relationships were further supported by four-cluster likelihood mapping analyses across diverse datasets. Our ancestral state reconstruction indicates phytophagy as the primary feeding strategy for Hemiptera as a whole. However, predation likely represents an ancestral state for Heteroptera, with several phytophagous lineages having evolved from predatory ancestors. Certain lineages, like Lygaeoidea, have undergone a reversal transition from phytophagy to predation. Our divergence time estimation placed the diversification of hemipterans to be between 60 and 150 million years ago.ConclusionsBy expanding phylogenomic taxon sampling, we clarified the superfamily relationships within the infraorder Cicadomorpha. Our phylogenetic analyses supported the sister-group relationship between the superfamilies Cicadoidea and Cercopoidea, and the superfamily Membracoidea as the sister to Cicadoidea + Cercopoidea. Our divergence time estimation supported the close association of hemipteran diversification with the evolutionary success and adaptive radiation of angiosperms during the Cretaceous period.

Early evidence of an archaeological dyed textile using scale-insects: The Cave of Skulls, Israel

The color red has held significant historical symbolism and meaning throughout history and can be produced from various sources, including plants and animals. Some of the most luxurious red dyes were derived from various species of scale insects, particularly those of the Coccoidae superfamily. Today, advanced analytical methods allow to trace the origins of dyes even after thousands of years, providing insights into the technological capabilities of the ancient world as well as past economic and social conditions. In our research on textiles discovered in the Cave of Skulls in the Judean Desert, we conducted dye analyses using High-Pressure Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and identified one unique, red-dyed textile, which was dyed with scale insects. Our analysis enables to pinpoint the precise source of the red color in archaeological textiles down to the species level, and it can be determined with a high degree of certainty that the dye used was Kermes vermilio. Direct radiocarbon dating places this textile in the Middle Bronze Age (1954–1767 BCE), shedding light on the early use of scale-insect dyes in ancient textile production.

Morphological and Phylogenetic Analyses Reveal Three New Species of Entomopathogenic Fungi Belonging to Clavicipitaceae (Hypocreales, Ascomycota).

This study aims to report three new species of Conoideocrella and Moelleriella from Yunnan Province, Southwestern China. Species of Conoideocrella and Moelleriella parasitize scale insects (Coccidae and Lecaniidae, Hemiptera) and whiteflies (Aleyrodidae, Hemiptera). Based on the phylogenetic analyses of the three-gene nrLSU, tef-1α, and rpb1, it showed one new record species (Conoideocrella tenuis) and one new species (Conoideocrella fenshuilingensis sp. nov.) in the genus Conoideocrella, and two new species, i.e., Moelleriella longzhuensis sp. nov. and Moelleriella jinuoana sp. nov. in the genus Moelleriella. The three new species were each clustered into separate clades that distinguished themselves from one another. All of them were distinguishable from their allied species based on their morphology. Morphological descriptions, illustrations, and comparisons of the allied taxa of the four species are provided in the present paper. In addition, calculations of intraspecific and interspecific genetic distances were performed for Moelleriella and Conoideocrella.

Description of a new species of the genus Paralecanium Cockerell & Bueker (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Coccidae) from China.

A new species of soft scale insect (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Coccidae) belonging to the genus Paralecanium Cockerell & Bueker, P. sabia Tan, Meng & Xing sp. n., is described and illustrated. It was found on the leaves of Sabia swinhoei Hemsl (Sabiaceae) in Guizhou Maolan National Nature Reserve, Guizhou Province, China. Habitat photographs and illustrations are provided. The type material of P. sabia sp. n. is deposited at the Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China (GUGC) and in the insect collection at the Department of Forestry Protection, Beijing Forestry University, Beijing, China (NFUC). An identification key to separate the 28 species in Paralecanium, based on the morphology of adult females, is provided.

Two new species of Aulacaspis Cockerell, 1893 (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Diaspididae) from China, with an identification key to Chinese species.

Two new armoured scale insect species (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Diaspididae) are described and illustrated from Guizhou Province, China. Aulacaspis pericampylus sp. n. was collected from Pericampylus glaucus (Menispermaceae) and Aulacaspis multispinata sp. n. was collected from Cinnamomum camphora (Lauraceae). The type specimens of both new species are deposited in the Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University, Guiyang, China (GUGC). A key to the Aulacaspis species known from China, based on the morphology of the adult females, is provided.

Investigations on the immature stages of some species of Eulecaniinae (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Coccidae).

The dependence on adult female morphology for the determination of soft scale insect species (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Coccidae) creates several problems. In this paper, various nymphal stages of soft scale insects from the Ankara district of Trkiye and Israel, belonging to Coccidae: subfamily Eulecaniinae, namely Eulecanium cerasorum (Cockerell), E. ciliatum (Douglas), E. tiliae (Linnaeus), Paleolecanium bituberculatum (Signoret), Physokermes piceae (Schrank) and Rhodoccus perornatus (Cockerell & Parrott) were studied. The morphology of all the nymphal stages of these species is described and illustrated, and identification keys are provided to each instar. The results show that nymphal stages can be used to accurately identify soft scale insect species.

Invasive Chinese tallow tree serves as a new host for four scale insect species

Invasive Chinese tallow tree serves as a new host for four scale insect species

Taxonomic key to adult females of the scale insect species (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha) associated with coffee roots in Colombia

Taxonomic key to adult females of the scale insect species (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha) associated with coffee roots in Colombia

Improving DNA barcoding library of armored scale insects (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) in China.

DNA barcoding is used to identify cryptic species, survey environmental samples, and estimate phyletic and genetic diversity. Armored scale insects are phytophagous insects and are the most species-rich taxa in the Coccoidea superfamily. This study developed a DNA barcode library for armored scale insect species collected from southern China during 2021-2022. We sequenced a total of 239 specimens, recognized as 50 morphological species, representing two subfamilies and 21 genera. Sequencing analysis revealed that the average G + C content of the cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene sequence was very low (~18.06%) and that the average interspecific divergence was 10.07% while intraspecific divergence was 3.20%. The intraspecific divergence value was inflated by the high intraspecific divergence in ten taxa, which may indicate novel species overlooked by current taxonomic treatments. All the Automated Barcode Gap Discovery, Assemble Species by Automatic Partitioning, Taxon DNA analysis and Bayesian Poisson Tree Process methods yielded largely consistent results, indicating a robust and credible species delimitation. Based on these results, an intergeneric distance threshold of ≤ 5% was deemed appropriate for the differentiation of armored scale insect species in China. This study establishes a comprehensive barcode library for the identification of armored scale insects, future research, and application.

An updated list of scale insects (Hemiptera, Coccomorpha) from import interceptions and greenhouses in the Netherlands

An updated list is given of the scale insect species (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha) intercepted on plants imported into the Netherlands and detected in greenhouses during the period 1950–2022. Host plants, country of origin and year of first interception are given for intercepted species on imported plants, 234 species in total. A second list of 149 species of Coccomorpha is presented summarizing the scale insects that were at least once found in greenhouses in the Netherlands during the observation period. The data of each species includes the first year of detection, the host plant on which the species was found and the type of greenhouse in which it was discovered. A group of 29 species has been found in greenhouses but has never been intercepted during import inspections. During the observation period several species were described as new to science e.g. three Rhizoecidae species: Ripersiella emarai Jansen, R. maasbachi (Jansen) and R. multiporifera Jansen, two Pseudococidae, Paraputo ensete (Williams & Matile-Ferrero) and Phenacoccus emansor Williams & Kozarzhevskaya, and one Qinococcidae Jansenus burgeri Foldi. A small part of the material could not yet be identified to species level with certainty.

Intraspecific Variability in Trionymus aberrans Goux, 1938 (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Pseudococcidae) with Description of the Second-Instar Nymph.

The morphological characteristics of adult females of Trionymus aberrans Goux, 1938 (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Pseudococcidae) collected from post-industrial wastelands and other habitats in Poland and other countries were studied. Distinctive morphological variations were observed in the specimens from post-industrial wastelands in Poland. Scanning electron micrographs of the morphological characters of T. aberrans are provided. The presence of unusual pores, each with four loculi, was demonstrated for the first time in a species of Pseudococcidae. The importance of introducing additional morphological characters into the species description is discussed. New data on the frequency and host preferences of T. aberrans are also provided. This research is the first long-term study on scale insect species in post-industrial wastelands. The second-instar nymph of T. aberrans is described and illustrated and the presence of translucent pores on the hind coxae of this developmental stage is reported for the first time.

Discovery of the primary aphid (Hemiptera: Aphidomorpha) and scale insect (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha) type specimens from the collection of Theodor Hartig (18051880).

Theodor Hartigs aphid and scale insect type specimens have been presumed lost or destroyed for the last 140 years. Here we document their discovery at the Bavarian State Collection of Zoology (Zoologische Staatssammlung Mnchen, ZSM), in Munich, Germany. These specimens include primary types for 24 aphid, three adelgid, and two armored scale insect species named by Hartig between 1834 and 1851, as well as other specimens of unknown importance.

Armored scale insects (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) associated with avocados (Persea americana) in Mxicos main production areas, with keys for identification and natural enemies.

Avocado orchards in eight avocado-producing states of Mxico were sampled to collect and identify the armored scale insect species (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) that attack the crop and their natural enemies. Sixteen species of armored scales were identified, 12 from the subfamily Aspidiotinae and four from Diaspidinae. A dichotomous key is provided for the identification of the 18 armored scale species associated with avocado in central Mxico. Forty species of associated natural enemies were also recorded, the most important belonging to Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae, Encyrtidae, Eulophidae, and Signiphoridae, and to Coleoptera: Coccinellidae. For each species of armored scale, brief general information on its distribution, host varietal preferences and natural enemies is given.

A new species of Aulacaspis Cockerell, 1893 (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Diaspididae) infesting cardamom from India.

A new species of scale insect in the genus Aulacaspis (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Diaspididae) is described and illustrated from Kerala, India. Aulacaspis elettaria Joshi & Nafeesa sp. n. was collected from the host plant Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton (Zingiberaceae). Biological notes on the species are provided, including information on the occurrence, spread and pest status of this species in Kerala. An identification key based on adult females is given to separate Indian species of Aulacaspis.

Parasitoid and predator species of Coccidae (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) species in fruit orchards of Diyarbakır and Elazığ Provinces, Türkiye

This study was carried out in order to determine the predator and parasitoid species that feed on soft scale insect (Hemiptera: Coccidae) species in orchards of Diyarbakır and Elazığ Provinces in Turkiye in 2017 and 2018. Visual identification and rearing methods were used. Eight predatorory species belonging to the families Coccinellidae (4) and Cybocephalidae (1) (Coleoptera), Forficulidae (2) (Dermaptera), and Chrysopidae (1) (Neuroptera), were detected. In addition, 14 parasitoid and 2 hyperparasitoid species from the families Encyrtidae (14), Aphelenidae (1) and 2 Pteromalidae (1) (Hymenoptera) were collected. Among the parasitoid species, Metaphycus ater, M. luteolus, M. chermis and M. unicolor (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) are first records for the insect fauna of Türkiye.

New data on the parasitization of Aleurothrixus floccosus (Maskell) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) in Greece

Summary Signiphora flavella (Girault) (Hymenoptera: Signiphoridae) was recorded in 2022 as a new parasitoid species of the serious pest of citrus Aleurothrixus floccosus (Maskell) in Greece, in two different areas, i.e., the provinces of Laconia and Messinia. Previously, Signiphora flavella was recorded in Greece parasitizing Hemiberlesia rapax (Comstock) and H. lataniae (Signoret) in early 60s. It is mainly a parasitoid species of scale insects belonging to Diaspididae (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha), whiteflies, or a hyperparasitoid of aphelinids.

New scale insects (Homoptera: Coccinea) from Neotropical region

Four new species of scale insects collected in Mexico are described and illustrated. Puto bicirculatus sp. nov. (Pseudococcidae) seems to be most similar with the widely distributed P. barberi (Cockerell, 1895), but differs from the last in the presence of 2 distinct circuli, in 15–16 pairs of cerarii (instead of 17–18), in more numerous tubular ducts (especially on abdominal sternites), and in very poorly developed ostioles. Acanthococcus reineri sp. nov. (Eriococcidae) has peculiar microtubular ducts with bifurcate opening and differs from congeners posessing the same type of wax glands in the fine structure of microtubular ducts, which have the duct, subdivided into 2 parts: thinner (connected with bifurcate opening) and distal larger part. Philephedra zipolitana sp. nov. (Coccidae) differs from all congeners in the fine structure of invaginated conical setae («dorsal tubercles»); these setae have truncate apex and surrounded each at the base by 5–6 oval pores; invaginated setae and pores are located inside of pot-like cuticular pouch, which is slightly narrowed at the orifice. Prionococcus alexandrae sp. nov. (Coccidae) differs from all congeners in the marginal setae (mainly bulbous), forming loose, widely interrupted row with gaps several times longer than setae and in the absence of stigmatic setae. The overlapped diagnostic characters of the nominal genera Philephedra Cockerell, 1898 and Alichtensia Cockerell, 1902 (Coccidae) are briefly discussed.

Potential Global Invasion Risk of Scale Insect Pests Based on a Self-Organizing Map.

In the present study, a global presence/absence dataset including 2486 scale insect species in 157 countries was extracted to assess the establishment risk of potential invasive species based on a self-organizing map (SOM). According to the similarities in species assemblages, a risk list of scale insects for each country was generated. Meanwhile, all countries in the dataset were divided into five clusters, each of which has high similarities of species assemblages. For those countries in the same neuron of the SOM output, they may pose the greatest threats to each other as the sources of potential invasive scale insect species, and therefore, require more attention from quarantine departments. In addition, normalized ζi values were used to measure the uncertainty of the SOM output. In total, 9 out of 63 neurons obtained high uncertainty with very low species counts, indicating that more investigation of scale insects should be undertaken in some parts of Africa, Asia and Northern Europe.

New armored scale insect (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Diaspididae) species to Hungary on imported tropical fruits

AbstractScale insect (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha) fauna on imported tropical and subtropical fruits collected between 2013 and 2021 was investigated. The study revealed two armored scale insect (Diaspididae) species new to the fauna of Hungary (namely Aonidiella citrina (Coquillett) and Lepidosaphes pinnaeformis (Bouché)). Number of species of the Hungarian scale insect fauna increased to 279, while number of species collected on imported tropical and subtropical fruits changed to 16.