132 



[NJURT0US AND BENEFICIAL INSECT8 OF CALIFORNIA. 



THE KENTIA MEALY BUG 



Pseitdococcus pseudonipw (Cockerell) 

 (Dactylopius pseudonipw Cockerell) 



Description.— This species is readily distinguished from the other 

 mealy bugs by the cream-colored flocculence or wax which is not 

 smoothed over the bod}'' but arranged on the segments in rows of 

 small patches. The bodies are rich amber which blends with the 

 creamy color of the flocculence. The males are pale yellow. 



Nature of Work.— This species attacks all parts of the host but is 

 mote often found upon the undersides of the leaves. 



Distribution.— It occurs in greenhouses in many parts of the State 

 and sometimes works in the open in the southern 

 sections. 



Food Plants. — The kentia and coconut palms are 

 the only recorded hosts. 



Control.— This insect may be controlled with the 

 same measures as are recommended for the citrus 

 mealy bug. 



SMITH'S RIPERSIA 



Ripersia smithii Essig 

 (Fig. Ill) 



Description. — This species is closely allied to and 

 looks very much like the mealy bugs, but differs by 

 having a small tooth on the inside of the claw and 

 the seven-jointed antenna?. The bodies are yellow or 

 pinkish, rather slender, entirely covered with white 

 cottony wax and ^ inch long. 



Life History. — The life history differs little from 

 that of the mealy bugs. 



Nature of Work.— All stages work inside the 

 stems and at the bases of the leaves of the host. 



Distribution. — This coccid is quite common 

 throughout the southern part of the State. 



Food Plant. — The wild rye is the only recorded 

 host. This grass is very common around orchards 

 and many growers have believed the scale infesting 

 it to be the citrus mealy bug. 



THE COTTONY BAMBOO SCALE 



\iitonina craici Cockerell 

 (Fig. 112) 



Description.— The full-grown female scales are 

 completely covered with a thick, compact white, cot- 

 tony coat, which makes them very conspicuous. The 

 body proper varies from ,^ inch to nearly ) inch long, is broadly oval 

 or rounded and deep purplish-red in color. The females collect in 

 colonies, forming large cottony masses in the leaf-axils of the canes. 



Fig. 111. — Smith's 

 Ripersia, Ripersia 

 smithii l^ssig. Adult 

 females and egg 

 masses in st.tlk of 

 wild rye. Collected 

 .it Ventura by S. H. 

 Essig. (Original) 



