ScaleNet: a literature-based model of scale insect biology and systematics

Abstract

Scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) are small herbivorous insects found on all continents except Antarctica. They are extremely invasive, and many species are serious agricultural pests. They are also emerging models for studies of the evolution of genetic systems, endosymbiosis and plant-insect interactions. ScaleNet was launched in 1995 to provide insect identifiers, pest managers, insect systematists, evolutionary biologists and ecologists efficient access to information about scale insect biological diversity. It provides comprehensive information on scale insects taken directly from the primary literature. Currently, it draws from 23 477 articles and describes the systematics and biology of 8194 valid species. For 20 years, ScaleNet ran on the same software platform. That platform is no longer viable. Here, we present a new, open-source implementation of ScaleNet. We have normalized the data model, begun the process of correcting invalid data, upgraded the user interface, and added online administrative tools. These improvements make ScaleNet easier to use and maintain and make the ScaleNet data more accurate and extendable.Database URL: http://scalenet.info

Aspidiotus bornmuelleri Lindinger, 1911, rev. comb. (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Diaspididae), a neglected endemic species from Macaronesia, with comments on the genus Cryptophyllaspis, and further notes on the scale insect fauna of Canary Islands, Spain

“…As a consequence of this action, in the same paper Normark et al transferred twelve Abgrallaspis species to the genus Hemiberlesia with the following explanation: "thought to be congeneric with it". Abgrallaspis ruebsaameni was included among them, and is presently treated as H. ruebsaameni in García Morales et al (2016).…”

“…Aspidiotus bornmulleri Lindinger 1911: 9, accepted valid name. Cryptophyllaspis bornmuelleri (Lindinger, 1911) : Borchsenius 1966: 272, emendation of the species name and change of combination; Carnero Hernandez & Perez Guerra, 1986: 35;Danzig & Pellizzari, 1998: 224;García Morales et al 2016. Aspidiotus bornmuelleri Lindinger, 1911: revived combination (present paper).…”

First record of the Madeira mealybug, Phenacoccus madeirensis Green (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), in Jordan

“…It is a polyphagous insect which has been recorded from 135 genera in 51 families. It is a pest of many fruit trees, fibre plants, food crops, vegetables, cacao and ornamentals (Wang et al, 2019;Garc ıa Morales et al, 2016). It can feed on any aboveground plant part (Papadopoulou & Chryssohoides, 2012).…”

Description of a new species of Saissetia from China (Hemiptera, Coccomorpha, Coccidae)

“…Soft scale insects, the third largest family of the Coccoidea, are distributed around the world, and currently include 169 genera and 1183 species (García Morales 2018). Most of them are pests of agricultural and horticultural crops.…”

“…The genus Saissetia , described by Deplanche in 1859, is a member of the tribe Saissetiini, subfamily Coccinae, and includes 44 species from around the world (Tang 1991; García Morales 2018). Six species of Saissetia have been recorded in China (García Morales 2018).…”