Aspidiotus. 39 



ASPIDIOTUS, Bouche. 



Species in which the puparium of the female is normally more or less 

 circular ; occasionally oval {cyanophylli)^ or elongated {inusitatus). Pellicles 

 superposed, approximately central. In this genus the first larval pellicle consists 

 of the dorsal parts of the skin only, the ventral parts, with the antenna; and 

 limbs, being completely separated and incorporated into the ventral scale of the 

 puparium. This character distinguishes Aspidiotus from all other genera with 

 which I am acquainted, the first pellicle in these other genera having the 

 antennae attached to the anterior margin, while the remains of the limbs will 

 be found beneath the posterior extremity. Ventral scale usually very delicate, 

 a mere film, adhering to the plant ; but in some species {cainellia, aurantii, &r'c.) 

 it is of stouter texture and remains attached to the upper parts ; while in others 

 the marginal area only may be thickened. 



Male puparium similar in structure to that of the female ; but usually smaller 

 and more oblong. 



Adult female oval ; broadly rounded in front, narrowing behind. Divisions 

 of abdomina segments often indistinct. After oviposition the abdominal parts 

 usually become greatly contracted, completely altering the form of the insect. 

 Anal aperture situated nearer the extremity than the genital aperture. Cir- 

 cumgenital glands usually in four groups ; a few species with five groups ; 

 others with none. Tubular spinnerets cylindrical, filiform, or trumpet-shaped. 

 An aonidiform stage is observable in some species at the time of the second 

 moult {vide pi. XY.Jig. 4). 



Adult male rather broad ; moderately depressed. A prominent colourless 

 tubercle on lateral margin of head representing the rudimentary eyes. Antennae 

 usually with three knobbed hairs on the terminal joint. 



For convenience of synopsis the Ceylon species of Aspidiotus may be divided 

 into primary groups according to the number of lobes on the pygidium ; these 

 groups may be subdivided according to the circumgenital glands. 



Synopsis of Species. 



A. Pygidium with 8 lobes. 



(a.) Circumgenital glands in four groups. 



(i.) Puparium rather large, flat, pale brown. Pellicles yellow. Fe- 

 male insect clear shining brown with deep transverse groove 

 across thorax trilobitiforniis. 



B. Pygidium with 6 lobes. 



(a.) Circumgenital glands in four groups. 



(ii.) Puparium olive brown ; pellicles clear, fulvous. Female insect 

 whitish or yellow ficics. 



