Systematic revision of the Family Micrococcidae (Homoptera ...

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Antennae 6-segmented, 142 (133-148) fL long; segments III and V without conspicuously
long seta, longest seta on segment VI 76 (59-94) fL long.
Notes - The description is based on 9 specimens from 1 locality.
Type material: We have examined the holotype of this species which has the following engraved
on the left side of the slide «Molluscococcus/ fibrillae Hall/ Hyparrhenia/ filipendula/
(rootlets)/ South/ Marendellas» right side with label «BM 1943-53/834/ GENOTYPE/ TYPE/ W.J.
HALL! 15.111.40». We also have examined 21 paratypes deposited in the Natural History
Museum, London and 11 in the U. S. National Collection at Beltsville, Maryland.
Specimens examined: Zimbabwe [Southern Rhodesia], South Marendellas, II-23-36, on Hyparrhenia
jilipendula, 12 adult females on 6 slides (BMNH); Marendellas, III-9-28, on H. jilipendula,
4 adult females on 2 slides (BMNH); Inkomo, 111-26-28, on H. jilipendula, 8 adult females
and 9 first instars on 6 slides (BMNH, USNM).
PHYLOGENETIC ANALYSIS
The relationship of Micrococcus and Molluscococcus with other scale taxa
has been controversial since the first species was discovered. FERRIS (1921,
1957) suggested that Micrococcus belonged in what is now called the family
Eriococcidae; SILVESTRI (1939) suggested that it should be associated with the
mealybugs; and KOTEJA (1974) indicated that it should be a separate family related
to the Coccidae.
To test these hypotheses, a phylogentic analysis was implemented including
representatives of each of the groups suggested as close relatives. Using
characteristics of adult females, adult males, and first instars, we anticipated
that we would be able to provide definitive evidence about the placement of
this peculiar group of scale insects.
Characters. Character distributions for 20 taxa and 39 characters are presented
in the matrix in table 1. Unknown characters were coded as missing data.
Adultfemale
1. Asterolecanium type 8-shaped pores 0 = absent, 1 = present
2. Small dark-rimmed 8-shaped pores 0 = absent, 1 = present
3. Translucent pores on hind legs 0 = present, 1 = absent
4. Tubular ducts 0 = not invaginated, a = invaginated, b = eriococcid microtubulars
5. Arch plate o= absent, l=present
6. Trilocular pores 0 = present, 1 =absent
7. Quinquelocular pores 0 = absent, 1 = present
8. Cribriform pores 0 =absent, 1 =present
9. Spiracular setae 0 =absent, 1 =present