Species Unplaced socialis Maskell, 1897

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• Sphaerococcus socialis Maskell, W.M. 1897. Further coccid notes: with descriptions of new species and discussions of points of interest. Transactions and Proceedings of the New Zealand Institute 29: 293-331 [325].

  Type data:

   
  Syntype(s) NZAC 5 slides (with 1 uncleared adult ♂, 1 uncleared ♂, 2 adult ♀, 1 first-instar nymph) + 2 pill boxes of dry material, Geraldton, WA; USNM 2 slides, with 2 adult ♀ each (Maskell Collection Number 510), Geraldton, WA.

  Type host:

   Melaleuca or Calothamnus sp. [MYRTACEAE]

Introduction

According to Miller et al. (1998), the adult male of this species is very similar to the male of the 2 unidentified species of Opisthoscelis described by Theron (1968) by having the terminal 4 or 5 abdominal segments very elongate and attenuated. The adult females also are similar by having: the anterior end of the clypeolabral shield developed into 2 large lobe-like extensions; a 1 -segmented labium; and many simple quinquelocular pores. "Sphaerococciis" socialis adult females do not have the unusually elongate legs of Opisthoscelis species and are not congeneric. All Opisthoscelis species induce galls on Eucalyptus unlike S. socialis which occurs on Melaleuca or Calothamnus. The similarities of the adult males and females of S. socialis and Opisthoscelis species suggest a strong possibility of a close relationship .

Ecological Descriptors

Sap-feeder.

Systematics

Slide-mounted adult female with: enlarged setae absent; hair-like body setae scattered over both surfaces; numerous dorsal quinquelocular pores on anterior abdominal segments, thorax, and head; legs absent; antennae 2- or 3-segmented; anal ring reduced to simple opening without setae or pores (see Miller 1999)

Structure

Galls globular, of a greyish or grey-green color, varying in size. Adult female dark red and globular. Parasitized insects are white. Female of the second stage is elliptical, brownish red. Larvae are reddish brown or yellowish brown, active and elliptical. Male pupa enclosed in a small white cottony cylindrical sac, within the gall. Adult male dark red, wings grey (see Maskell 1897)

General References

Miller, D.R., Gullan, P.J. & Williams, D.J. 1998. Family placement of species previously included in the scale insect genus Sphaerococcus Maskell (Hemiptera: Coccoidea). Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington 100: 286-305 [300]

History of changes