Vol. III. ] [ No§ 3< 



A NEW COCGID FROM CEYLON. 



BY G. B. BUCKTQN, F.K.S. 



Ortkezia nacrea.[ x ) 



In March 1893 I received from Ceylon a consignment of twigs and 

 leaves of Crossandra which were incrueted by a white semi-flocou- 

 lent matter, which proved to be the exudation of a species of Ortkezia 

 apparently undescribed. Of this Coccus I give the following descrip- 

 tion. Unfortunately the specimens arrived in a bad condition from the 

 effects of mildew, which rendered the examination Jess complete than 

 could be wished. 



Female. — Not scaly-form. Wingless, but capable of slow locomotion. 

 General shape long-oval or cylindrical.- Head and thoracic portion pale 

 warm brown. Rest of the insect, except the legs and rostrum, shining 

 satiny white, with a porcelain -like surface. In some lights this gives 

 nacreous tints. Head small, antennas short and black, rather stout and 

 about the length of the pronotum. The two basal joints the thickest, 

 followed by six subequal tapering joints. Some of these are attenuated 

 in the middle, thus simulating extra joints. The apex somewhat mammi- 

 form and without bristles. Eyes small, black, and placed just behind 

 the antenna?. Legs black and rather long, tarsus single-jointed, but 



( J ) This infect, which was forwarded to the Indian Museum through Mr. E. E Green 

 in January 1893, has proved very troublesome in the Botanical Gardens at Peradenuja, 

 Ceylon, where it has been multiplying with great rapidity. From notes furnished by 

 Dr. Trimen, F.L.S., it appears that it especially attacks Acanthacece, which include some 

 of the most showy plants in the garden. 



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