The Coccidae of South Africa. 
189 
62. Margarodes ruber sp. n. 
(Plate XXVIII., Fig. 71.) 
Cyst : Almost spherical, about 2 mm. in diameter, white, translucent 
to semi-transparent, the red colour of the female being plainly visible 
before emergence. 
Cysts collected in association with M. peringueyi at Pretoria on 
October 4, 1914. $ $ began to emerge October 21, 1914. 
Adult ? : 2 mm. to 2-5 mm. long when extended, elongate with a 
distinct constriction at the junction of the cephalothorax with the 
abdomen. Colour deep reddish-yellow to carrot colour. Two small 
scarlet eye-spots betw^een the antennae. Antennae and legs pale, except 
the stout front claws, which are brownish-black. 
Colour in boiling KOH dark red-brown, then magenta ; the liquid 
remains colourless. 
A newly emerged female was placed on a dish of loosely packed soil, 
and took four minutes to bury herself. The hole was quite vertical, and 
was made by means of the front claws. The insect did not remain in 
one position, but constantly turned around in a circle, the front claws being 
the axis. 
Antennae 9- or 10-segmented, the 10-jointed form with a very small 
annular joint II. as in capensis. Those called 9-jointed are probably 
similar, but with the small joint II. invisible owing to unsuitability of 
orientation in mounting. Antennae thick at base and gradually tapering. 
Dermal hairs and spines comparatively long and strong, the spine areas of 
the sides of thorax being especially prominent. On each side of anal 
opening is a thickened triangular patch bearing one or two setae. 
Habitat : On roots of grass, associated with M. ijcringueyi. Collected 
by the writer, Pretoria, October, 1914. 
Material studied consists of a number of cysts and 7 adult ? ? 
mounted. 
The colour of this insect, together with the tapering, annular, and 10- 
jointed antennae, gave me the impression that this might be the prae-pupal 
stage of the male of one of the common species on grass at Pretoria. 
Some specimens kept alive for ten days in a moist cell, however, showed 
no signs of pupating, and behaved in exactly the same manner as did 
the $ 2 . 
Collection No. : 11. 
