Valid Names Results

Hemilecanium theobromae Newstead, 1908 (Coccidae: Hemilecanium)

Nomenclatural History

• Hemilecanium theobromae Newstead 1906a: 74. nomen nudum
• Hemilecanium theobromae Newstead 1908b: 39. Type data: CAMEROON: Soppo, on Theobroma cacao.. Syntypes, female, Type depository: London: The Natural History Museum, England, UK; accepted valid name
• Hemilecanium imbricans; Hall 1932: 195. misidentification

Common Names

Ecological Associates

Hosts:

Families: 5 | Genera: 6

Geographic Distribution

Keys

• JoshiKo2020: pp.427 ( Adult (F) ) [species of Hemilecanium in the Oriental Region]
• KondoHo2013: pp.509-511 ( Adult (F) ) [Key to adult females of Hemilecanium Newstead]
• KondoHo2013: pp.511-512 ( Adult (M) ) [Key to known adult males of Hemilecanium Newstead]
• KondoHo2013: pp.512 ( First instar ) [Key to known first-instars of Hemilecanium Newstead]
• KondoHa2008: pp.195-202 ( Adult (F) Adult (M) ) [Species of the genus]
• KondoHa2008: pp.195-202 ( Adult (M) ) [Species of the genus]
• KondoHa2008: pp.195-202 ( First instar ) [Species of the genus]
• KondoWi2005: pp.29-30 ( Adult (F) Adult (M) First instar ) [Species of Hemilecanium]

Remarks

• Systematics: In its native range in Africa, H. theobromae appears to be most similar to H. villiersi due to the presence of dorsal tubular ducts with a funnel-like aperture in the adult stage. Although the two species can be easily separated in the adult stage due to the lack of cribriform plates on the female of H. villiersi, the first-instar nymphs of H. villiersi have a pair of cribriform plates which are absent in the first instar nymphs of all other known Hemilecanium species from the Ethiopian Region (Kondo & Hardy 2008). In India, H. theobromae is similar to H. imbricans in external appearance. However, slide-mounted specimens of H. theobromae can be easily distinguished from H. imbricans as follows (character states of H. imbricans given in brackets: (i) 13–15 submarginal dorsal tubercles (24–30); (ii) two types of ventral tubular ducts (one type); (iii) antennae nine-segmented (eight- or ninesegmented); (iv) with four to six pairs of short and one or two pairs of long setae on anterior margin of anogenital fold (9–10 pairs of very short setae); (v) dorsal tubular ducts usually present (always absent); (vi) two pairs of prevulvar setae (three pairs); and (vii) pocket-like sclerotisation usually present (absent). (Joshi & Kondo, 2020)
• Structure: First- and second-instar nymphs off-white with darker appendages when seen from ventral side. Second-instar females, after settling on the plant substrate change their off-white color to reddish brown and are oval in shape with an elevated mid-dorsal line, and a fringe of wax filaments along the margin. Third-instar females are oval in shape and brown with specks of wax on the dorsum and with well-developed wax filaments along the margin, Fully mature adult females with a dull pinkish venter and dark pink appendages. Adult females circular; flat marginally but slightly convex medially; derm reddish brown with irregular wax patches, those on mid-line well defined and larger; the four areas marking the cribriform plates with heavy wax deposition; margin with long uniform wax filaments. Old adult females lack the mealy coatings and marginal fringe and become dark reddish brown.. Adult male pupae with opaque white-felted skin and elevated mid-dorsal line but without wax filaments along margin. Adult male with brown body and brown appendages, and a pair of semi-transparent wings, each with brown veins and a dark pink pterostigma. (Joshi & Kondo, 2020)
• Economic Importance: Since this scale has been recorded on Theobroma cacao in Africa, its presence in India is alarming and represents a possible major threat to cacao plantations in the Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu areas of South India. (Joshi & Kondo, 2020)
• General Remarks: Description and illustration of adult female by Hodgson (1969b, 1994a) and by Kondo & Hardy (2008). Description and illustration of adult male by Kondo & Hardy (2008). Description and illustration of first-instar nymph by Kondo & Hardy (2008).

Illustrations

Citations