Valid Names Results

Melissoaspis formicaria (Ben-Dov, 2010) (Diaspididae: Melissoaspis)

Morganella formicaria Ben-Dov 2010: 54-56. Type data: MADAGASCAR: Toliara Province, 6.0 km 131° SE, Lavanono, Soamanitra, elevation 150m, 25°26'44"S44°59'45"E, in galleries of Melissotarsus insularis Santschi on Salvadora angustifolia; collected B.L. Fisher, 17.ii.2002.. Holotype, female, Type depository: Bet Dagan: Department of Entomology, The Volcani Center, Israel; accepted valid name Illustr.
Melissoaspis formicaria (Ben-Dov, 2010); Schneider, Giliomee, Dooley & Normark 2013: 813. change of combination

Families: 3 | Genera: 4

Countries: 1

SchneiGiDo2013: pp.816-817 ( Adult (F) ) [Key to the species of ant-associated armoured scale insects (adapted from Ben-Dov, 2010)]

Systematics: The adult female of this species is known only from 'scale-less' populations living in galleries of the ant Melissotarsus insularis Santschi in Madagascar (Ben-Dov, 2010). Male not observed Schneider, et al.transfered this species to Melissoaspis based upon the poor development of median lobes that appear continuous with abdominal segment VIII, distinctive lanceolate setae on abdominal segment VIII, and a pygidium that is compressed and triangular in shape. These combined characteristics are unique to Melissoaspis.
General Remarks: Description and illustration of adult female by Ben-Dov (2010).