Valid Names Results

Cryptostigma rhizophilum Kondo, 2010 (Coccidae: Cryptostigma)

Nomenclatural History

• Cryptostigma rhizophilum Kondo 2010b: 49-54. Type data: PANAMA (AS CANAL ZONE): Hawaii, on Persisteria elata, 1/8/1957, by M. Bolosan. Holotype, female, by original designation Type depository: Washington: United States National Entomological Collection, U.S. National Museum of Natural History, District of Columbia, USA; accepted valid name Illustr.

Common Names

• Root-loving scale KondoPa2022
• Escama blanda rizófila KondoPa2022

Ecological Associates

Hosts:

Families: 7 | Genera: 7

Geographic Distribution

Keys

• KondoRo2022: pp.551-552 ( Adult (F) ) [species of Cryptostigma]
• KondoRo2022: pp.551-552 ( Adult (F) ) [species of Cryptostigma]
• KondoRo2022: pp.552-553 ( First instar ) [known nymphs of Cryptostigma]
• Kondo2010b: pp.9-10 ( Adult (F) ) [Key to the adult females of Cryptostigma Ferris]
• Kondo2010b: pp.10 ( First instar ) [Key to the known first-instar nymphs of Cryptostigma Ferris]

Remarks

• Systematics: Cryptostigma rhizophilum is the only species in the genus with subcircular clusters of simple pores present laterad to each stigmatic cleft. It is unusual among species of Cryptostigma in its preference for the roots of its host. Two other species of Cryptostigma have been recorded from roots: C. urichi, a commonly ant-tended scale insect, normally found inside hollow branches and stems, has been collected on the large roots of Erythrina sp. in Surinam, although these were probably the exposed larger roots of the tree and not the underground roots; and C. silveirai appears to be restricted to the underground roots of grape vines and is known to be an important pest of vines in Brazil.
• Structure: Living adult female is yellow, orange to reddish color turning to maroon when it is older. It has a subcircular, convex body. (Kondo, et al., 2013) The slide mounted adult female of C. rhizophilum can be diagnosed by the following features: (i) sclerotic pores present, (ii) dorsal setae sharply or bluntly spinose, occasionally with a swollen apex, (iii) preopercular pores absent, (iv) each anal plate with about 5 setae on dorsal surface, (v) with about 14-29 marginal setae between anterior and posterior stigmatic areas, (vi) antennae 1 segmented, reduced to a small round plate bearing numerous setae, (vii) multilocular disc-pores restricted to perivulvar region, (viii) legs greatly reduced, with segments fused and forming a sclerotized disc bearing a claw and numerous setae, and (ix) ventral tubular ducts absent. C. rhizophilum is the only known species in the genus with subcircular clusters of simple pores present laterad to each stigmatic cleft. (Kondo, 2010b) The first-instar nymph of C. rhizophilum can be diagnosed by the following combination of features: (i) dorsal setae present in 2 longitudinal rows of 5 pairs, (ii) each anterior stigmatic cleft with 3 stigmatic setae; posterior stigmatic cleft with 3 or 4 setae, (iii) 8-13 marginal setae present between anterior and posterior stigmatic setae, (iv) antennae 5 segmented, (v) with pairs of submedian abdominal setae on last 3 abdominal segments, (vi) each anterior and posterior stigmatic furrow with 5-8 pores, and (vii) 1 microduct present mesad to each inner submarginal setae on abdomen. C. rhizophilum is the only species in the genus with first-instar nymphs that have sharply spinose outer submarginal setae. (Kondo, 2010b)
• Biology: C. rhizophilum is known from the root system of various hosts. (Kondo, 2013) Cryptostigma rhizophilum reproduces sexually. All stages of the scale are usually found on infested roots. (Kondo & Pacheco da Silva, 2022)
• Economic Importance: C. rhizophilum has the potential to become an agricultural pest since its hosts includes oil palm, banana, Manila hemp, orchids and pineapple.
• General Remarks: Detailed description and illustrations in Kondo, 2010b. Color photograph in Kondo, et al., 2013.

Illustrations

Citations