Valid Names Results

Opuntiaspis philococcus (Cockerell, 1893) (Diaspididae: Opuntiaspis)

Nomenclatural History

• Mytilaspis philococcus Cockerell 1893q: 252. Type data: MEXICO: Guanajuato, on Cactus, by T.D.A. Cockerell. Syntypes, female, Type depository: Washington: United States National Entomological Collection, U.S. National Museum of Natural History, District of Columbia, USA; accepted valid name
• Mytilaspis (Opuntiaspis) philococcus Cockerell, 1893; Cockerell 1898j: 438. change of combination
• Lepidosaphes philococcus (Cockerell, 1893); Fernald 1903b: 313. change of combination
• Opuntiaspis philococcus (Cockerell, 1893); Leonardi 1904: 7. change of combination
• Opuntiaspis javanensis; Ferris 1937. incorrect synonymy (discovered by Nakaha1973, 486). Notes: Although Ferris (1937) considered Opuntiaspis javanensis Green to be a junior synonym of O. philococcus (Cockerell), Nakahara (1973) determined the two species were in fact distinct.
• Chionaspis cacti; Lindinger 1957: 547. incorrect synonymy (discovered by Borchs1966, 96). Notes: Lindinger (1957) suggested that Chionaspis cacti Kuwana could be a junior synonym of Optuniaspis philococcus, but Borchsenius (1966) rejected this idea.

Common Names

Ecological Associates

Hosts:

Families: 3 | Genera: 11

Geographic Distribution

Keys

• Nakaha1973: pp.486 ( Adult (F) ) [Key to species of Opuntiaspis]
• Balach1954e: pp.95 ( Adult (F) ) [Key to species of Opuntiaspis]
• Ferris1942: pp.SIV-446:58 ( Adult (F) ) [Key to species of Opuntiaspis]
• MacGil1921: pp.295 ( Adult (F) ) [Key to species of Opuntiaspis]

Remarks

• Systematics: Opuntiaspis philococcus is distinguishable from O. carinata, chiefly by the absence of perivulvar pores. In addition, the adult female seems to be noticeably larger (2.5 mm) and broader (Ferris, 1937).
• Structure: Female scale grey, flat, with a slight central ridge, about 3.0 mm long. Male scale similar but more slender (Ferris, 1937).
• Economic Importance: Miller & Davidson (1990) list this insect as a pest.
• General Remarks: Detailed description and illustration by Balachowsky (1954e).

Illustrations

Citations