Deepthy, K.B., Joshi, S., Manoj, V.S., Dhanya, M.K., Maya, T., Kuriakose, K.P., & Krishnaprasad, K.P. 2017 A new report of the myrmecophilous root mealy bug Xenococcus annandalei Silvestri (Rhizoecidae: Hemiptera) - a devastating pest. Entomon 42(3): 185-192

Keywords:

ant association

distribution

Notes: The obligate myrmecophilous root mealybug Xenococcus annandalei Silvestri belonging to the family Rhizoecidae and order Hemiptera was recorded on tender roots of a wide range of economically important crop plants and weeds at Idukki, Kerala, India. Ant species Acropyga acutiventris Roger was always seen in association with these mealy bugs and helps in the spread of mealy bugs to the healthy plants. Ant nests are seen inside the soil and inside these nests mealy bugs are also seen.