Carulaspis silvestrii Lupo (Hemiptera, Coccomorpha, Diaspididae): redescription and neotype designation, with a key to Carulaspis MacGillivray species

By

Nucifora, Salvatore
Mazzeo, Gaetana
Kaydan, Mehmet Bora
Ricupero, Michele
Russo, Agatino

Type

Article

Date of Publication

2025

Original Publication

ZooKeys

Volume

1228

Pages

127--138

Subjects

28S ribosomal gene , armored scale insects , Cupressocyparis , identification key , Juniperus , molecular characterization , Sicily

Contributed by

Pensoft Publishers

Language

English

Published by

Sofia, Bulgaria Pensoft Publishers

Identifiers

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1228.138309

 

Abstract

The insect genus Carulaspis MacGillivray, associated with Pinidae and Magnoliidae, includes six species: C. juniperi, C. minima, C. visci, C. atlantica, C. taxicola and C. silvestrii. The first description of C. silvestrii lacks key morphological features that are of paramount importance for species identification. Carulaspis silvestrii type specimens also remain undiscovered, suggesting a potential loss of taxon information. This study provides a detailed redescription of C. silvestrii, including drawings, SEM images and neotype designation for taxonomic stability. For the first time, molecular characterization of C. silvestrii was made using a partial 28S ribosomal gene. In addition, a morphological key for distinguishing species of Carulaspis is provided to aid the scientific community in taxonomic and identification endeavors.