Tectococcus Hempel 1900

Hodgson, Chris, 2020, A review of neococcid scale insects (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Coccomorpha) based on the morphology of the adult males, Zootaxa 4765 (1), pp. 1-264 : 100-102

Tectococcus Hempel 1900

Tectococcus Hempel 1900 , 379, 406. Type species: Tectococcus ovatus Hempel by monotypy and original designation.

Introduction. Tectococcus currently includes a single species from Brazil, T. ovatus , which induces circular galls on the young leaves and buds of mainly Psidium cattleianum (Myrtaceae) but also on Psidium variabile [spelt wrong in García Morales et al. (2019)] and Daphnopsis racemose (Thymelaeaceae) ( Vitorino et al. 2000). In addition, Hoy (1963) gives Aplidium variabile (Polyclinidae) as a host plant but no such name appears to exist. Nymphs may also establish galls on young branches and even on the developing fruit. Vitorino et al. (2000) state that reproduction is facultatively parthenogenetic, although males appear in late Spring and sometimes in late Autumn. There are probably 2 generations a year, one in May and June (sometimes into July), and another in January and February ( Vitorino et al. 2000). The adult female and adult male were described by Viterino et al. (2000) and the adult female, firstinstar nymph and adult male were redescribed by Hodgson and Miller (2010).

Generic diagnosis based on adult male morphology ( Fig. 40 ). Body: abdomen attenuated, about 2/3 rd of body length, tapering to a narrow penial sheath; setae few, perhaps mainly hs. Head: simple pores present; ocular sclerite with a few reticulations; dorsal mid-cranial ridge absent; preocular ridge absent; antennae 8 segmented; flagellar segments with hs and fs; capitate setae present on apical four segments. Thorax: scutal setae present laterally; scutellum with scutellar setae; basisternal setae present; metasternum with few setae; metaprecoxal ridge absent; postmetaspiracular setae possibly absent; tibia and tarsus setose, most setae spur-like; tarsi 2 segmented; claw digitules capitate but one narrower than other; claws elongate, with a denticle. Abdomen: elongate, narrowing to a narrow penial sheath; glandular pouches absent on segment VIII; setae absent on segment IX but with 2 pairs near apex of style; style narrow, becoming pointed posteriorly.

Comment. The adult male of T. ovatus is easily separated from other known adult male eriococcids from the Neotropics by the following combination of characters: (i) abdomen much elongated, narrowing to a narrow penial sheath; (ii) body setae very few, all hs; (iii) antennae 8 segmented; (iv) capitate setae present on apical 4 antennal segments, and (v) pores present on head. The elongate abdomen is somewhat similar to those found in various Australian genera – see the above key for genera in the Gondwanan group for differences.

Figures

FIGURE 40. Tectococcus ovatus Hempel. Macropterous male. (Eriococcidae, Gondwanan group). Where X=pores on head.