Valid Names Results

Tachardiella mexicana (Comstock, 1882) (Tachardiidae (= Kerriidae): Tachardiella)

Nomenclatural History

• Carteria mexicana Comstock 1882: 212. Type data: MEXICO: Tamaulipas, Tampico, on Mimosa.. Syntypes, female and first instar, Type depository: Washington: United States National Entomological Collection, U.S. National Museum of Natural History, District of Columbia, USA; accepted valid name
• Tachardia mexicana (Comstock, 1882); Townsend & Cockerell 1898: 173. change of combination
• Tachardia fulvoradiata Cockerell 1898j: 431. Type data: MEXICO: on a large tree named "Palo de gusano", June 4, 1897; coll. Townsend. Syntypes, female and first instar, Type depository: Washington: United States National Entomological Collection, U.S. National Museum of Natural History, District of Columbia, USA; junior synonym (discovered by Chambe1923, 185).
• Tachardia (Tachardiella) mexicana (Comstock, 1882); Chamberlin 1923: 185. change of combination
• Tachardia (Tachardiella) texana Chamberlin 1923: 186. Type data: U.S.A.: Texas, Atosca County, Jordanton, on Acacia sp. Syntypes, female and first instar, by subsequent designation Type depository: Davis: The Bohart Museum of Entomology, University of California, California, USA; junior synonym (discovered by Chambe1925JC, 40).
• Tachardiella mexicana (Comstock, 1882); Chamberlin 1925: 40. change of combination
• Tachardiella texana (Chamberlin, 1923); Chamberlin 1925: 40. change of combination
• Tarchardiella mexicana; Stocks 2013a. misspelling of genus name

Common Names

• Mexican lac scale KondoBu2022
• Insecto laca Mexicano KondoBu2022

Ecological Associates

Hosts:

Families: 2 | Genera: 7

Foes:

Families: 1 | Genera: 1

Geographic Distribution

Keys

• KondoGu2011: pp.347-350 ( Adult (F) ) [Key Based on Adult Females to Separate Species of the Family Kerriidae Known to Occur in the New World]

Remarks

• Systematics: Lobate lac scale is easily distinguished from the Mexican lac scale by the former’s distinctive lobed, or bow tie-shaped test. (Stocks, 2012a)
• Structure: Tests of adult females on twigs, either individually or slightly massed; each test is six-lobed at its base, more so in immature than adult specimens (Comstock 1882); resin a clear ‘Indian’ red, apparently darker in streaks (Chamberlin 1923), or dark orange-brown, varying in parts from light orange to black; three light reddish-orange bands or stripes start from the centre and pass down the sides between the lateral processes [lobes]. (Cockerell 1898) In heavy infestations, the tests of multiple females will develop into a single, aggregated mass such that the distinctive appearance of the individual tests is lost. (Stocks, 2012a)
• Economic Importance: Nothing is known about the biology of this scale in its native environment. In Florida, it can have profound consequences for the tree or shrub, leading to defoliation and death of the plant. Massive quantities of honeydew are secreted, leading to a proliferation of sooty mold on the plant, surrounding plants and ground. Although initially each scale starts growth in isolation, in heavy infestations larger females will coalesce into a hard resinous mass that completely envelops the branch. Thus far, no parasitoids are known, and control efforts using horticultural oils are only minimally effective, even at low infestation levels. (Stocks, 2013a)
• General Remarks: Good description and illustration of the adult female given by Chamberlin (1923, 1925).

Illustrations

Citations