A COMPARISON OF THE PIT SCALE GENERA OF NORTH AND SOUTH AMERICA (HEMIPTERA: COCCOIDEA: ASTEROLECANIIDAE)

Abstract

A COMPARISON OF THE PIT SCALE GENERA OF NORTH AND SOUTH AMERICA (HEMIPTERA: COCCOIDEA: ASTEROLECANIIDAE).

Of the 12 asterolecaniid genera known from the New World, six are believed to have been introduced from other faunal regions. The distinctive morphological characters and generic relationships of the New World species are discussed, along with their biogeography and host plant affinities.

Key Words: Asterodiaspis, Asterolecanium, Bambusaspis, Grammococcus, Mycetococcus, Mycococcus, Neoasterodiaspis, Palmaspis, Planchonia, Pollinia, Russellaspis, Sclerosococcus.