Aspidiotus. 65 



At the time of the second moult, the insect might readily be mistaken for a 

 species of Aomdia, for the adult insect at first shrinks away from its pupal skin, 

 and lies enclosed but completely separate within it {fig. 4), being distinctly 

 smaller than during the second stage ; but it subsequently increases in size, 

 bursts its covering, and finally grows to many times its former dimensions. I 

 have noticed a similar Aonidiform stage in some other species. 



Mr. Cockerell informs me that his description {Joe. cit.) refers to the second 

 stage of the insect. The adult female, being concealed in the substance of the 

 plant, may be easily overlooked. 



A rather abnormal species. The form of the male puparium approaches 

 that of a Diaspis. 



Habitat beneath the sheathing petioles and bracts of a bamboo Ari/fid/jian'a 

 sp. {fig. i). Punduloya (April). Type from Japan, in similar situation on 

 species of bamboo. 



In spite of its protected position, this insect is infested by a minute hymen- 

 opterous parasite, which proves to be Houialopoda crisiata, Howard. 



EXPLANATION OF PLATE XV. 



Aspidiotus secretus. 



{All figures., except No. i, more or less enlarged^) 



Fig. I. Small branch of bamboo, with bracts removed, showing insects in 

 situ., nat. size (males on stem, females on inner surface of bract). 



2. Male puparium, from above. 



3. Female puparium, from below. 



4. Second peUicle, containing early adult female. 



5. Marginal area of second pellicle. 



6. Adult female from below. 



7. Pygidium of adult female. 



K 



