New Afrotropical scale insect pests (Homoptera: Coccinea) under glass in St Petersburg, Russia

Abstract

Two Afrotropical scale insect species, Trochiscococcus speciosus (De Lotto, 1961) and Ripersiella aloes (Williams et Pellizzari, 1997), are recorded for the first time in Russia, St Petersburg, under glass on the roots of Gasteria sp. (Asphodelaceae). The first species is morphologically described and illustrated by a standard total coccidological figure and by the photograph; a study of the reproductive biology of this species revealed an obligate ovoviviparity, parthenogenesis (thelytoky) and the chromosomal number 2n=10. The quarantine status for both species is advised on the territory of Russia and neighbouring countries.

First illustration of chromosomes and genetic system of Lecanodiaspidinae (Homoptera, Coccinea, Asterolecaniidae s.l.)

“…Due to this character all three groups are traditionally considered as subfamilies of Asterolecaniidae s.l. (see, for example, Brown and McKenzie 1962, Danzig 1980, Danzig and Gavrilov-Zimin 2014, and Gavrilov-Zimin 2018 and references therein).…”

“…These females appeared to be suitable for preparing both morphological and chromosomal slides. The method of preparation of the morphological slides and method of squashing of the embryonic cells in lactoacetorcein for chromosomal studies see, for example, in Gavrilov-Zimin (2018).…”

“…all stages of embryonic development occur inside the maternal body (see a review of reproductive strategies of scale insects and appropriate terminology in Gavrilov-Zimin 2018). …”