128 



E. E. GREEN AND F. LAING. 



4. Diaspis (Aulacaspis) flacourtiae, Rutherf. 



On Flacourtia. Previously known from Ceylon only. 



As Rutherford published his description (Bull. Ent. Res., v, 3. Dec. 1914, 

 p. 259) without any figures, we take this opportunity of supplying the omission 

 (see fig. 4. A, B). 



Fig. 4. Diaspis flacourtiae, Rutherf. : A, adult, X 50 ; B, pj-gidium, x 150. 



The species differs from pentagona — which it closely resembles — in the relatively 

 larger and more prominent median lobes, and in the obsolescent or very small 

 lateral lobes of the pygidium. The dentiform first lateral lobe, which is a prominent 

 feature in typical pentagona, is altogether lacking in flacourtiae. The pores on the 

 lateral margins of the body are far more numerous and conspicuous in flacourtiae . 



Rutherford makes no mention of the pathological effect upon the host-plant 

 that is noticeable in Ceylon, where the insect causes a stimulation of growth in the 

 sub-lying woody tissue, causing irregular and conspicuous swellings on the infested 

 areas of the branches of Flacourtia. This effect is noticeable only upon the older 

 and mature branches. When the smaller and younger branches are attacked, there 

 is no such tendency to an abnormal growth. 



