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Issue: Vol. 1946 No. 1: 1 Dec. 2008
Type: Article
Published: 2008-12-01
DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.1946.1.3
Page range: 55–68
Abstract views: 44
PDF downloaded: 18

A new ortheziid (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) from Australia associated with Acropyga myops Forel (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) and a key to Australian Ortheziidae

Department of Biological Sciences, Towson University, 8000 York Road, Towson, Maryland 21251, USA
Biodiversity Program, Queensland Museum, P.O. Box 3300, South Brisbane 4101, Queensland, Australia
Department of Entomology and Laboratories of Analytical Biology, Smithsonian Institution, 4210 Silver Hill Road, Suitland, Maryland 20746, USA
Systematic Entomology Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Beltsville, Maryland 20705, USA
Hemiptera mealybug trophobiosis trophophoresy

Abstract

A peculiar new genus of Ortheziidae is described from Queensland, Australia. Acropygorthezia williamsi LaPolla & Miller, n. gen. & sp. was discovered in two localities in the nests of Acropyga myops. Descriptions and illustrations are provided for the adult female, adult male, first-instar nymph, prepupa, and pupa; descriptions only are provided for the secondand third-instar nymphs. Prior to this study, Acropyga ants were known to enter into trophobiotic relationships only with mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae). Therefore, this study represents the first non-mealybug association between a scale insect and Acropyga. The new ortheziid genus has a number of unusual morphological attributes: no definite wax plates; no ovisac; an anal ring lacking setae and pores, located dorsally in the middle of the abdomen; simple, large metasternal and mesosternal apophyses; numerous spines over the body, and various instars that are so similar that they are difficult to separate. These characteristics may represent adaptations to its relationship with ants. A key is provided to the Australian Ortheziidae.

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