Malsch, A.K.F., Kaufmann, E., Heckroth, H.-P., Williams, D.J., Marzal, C., & Maschwitz, U. 2001 Continuous transfer of subterranean mealybugs (Hemiptera, Pseudococcidae) by Pseudolasius spp. (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) during colony fission?. Insectes Sociaux 48: 333-341.

Notes: In west- and east-Malaysian lowland rainforests, three Pseudolasius spp. are found in trophobiotic relationship with a total of eight scale insect species in six genera feeding at the roots of plants. Intimate associations going beyond pure trophobiosis could be discovered with five species of root mealybugs: Planococcoides sp., Maconellicoccus multipori and three species of Rhizoecus. All three Pseudolasius species carry their pseudococcids when disturbed, during nest movements and to feeding sites. Moreover, the Pseudolasius species discussed permanently keep adults and immature instars of their mealybug partners within their nests.