Species Unplaced socialis Maskell, 1897
- 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].
Ecological Descriptors
Sap-feeder.
GENERAL
Original description and illustration by 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. This species was moved to the Eriococcidae by 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.
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, F. 1999. Take control of scale infestations. American Nurseryman 190(10): 14 personal observation).
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, 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).