Tillancoccus mexicanus Ben-Dov

Family

Coccidae

Field characters

Nothing is known about the field appearance of this species. Based on its morphology it is likely that it does not form an ovisac and does not produce wax. Males have not been observed. Occurring on the leaves of the host.

Validation characters

1 pair of prevulvar setae (often obscured by anal plates); with many submarginal tubercles; dorsal setae conical arranged in lines; without tubular ducts; marginal setae simple, with acute apices; anal plates with conspicuous discal seta; without tibio-tarsal articulation or sclerosis. Other characters: Each anal plate with 3 apical setae and no subdiscal seta; with 4 to 7 subapical setae on each plate; anal fold with 4 fringe setae; multilocular pores normally with 8 loculi; multiloculars present in vulvar area only; multilocular pores anterior of anterior spiracle predominantly with 5 loculi, about same size as pores laterad of anterior spiracle; claw with small denticle; claw digitules equal; tibia and tarsus partially fused; stigmatic setae differentiated from other marginal setae, middle seta longer than lateral setae; anal plates with posterior margin about equal to length of anterior margin; antennae usually 6-segmented; preopercular pores conspicuous, present in longitudinal line from mesothorax to anal area.

Comparison

Tillancoccus mexicanus is very similar to T. tillandsiae by having enlarged dorsal setae arranged in lines, no tubular ducts, and anal plate with discal seta. Tillancoccus mexicanus differs by having submarginal tubercles (absent on T. tillandsiae) and differently shaped dorsal setae.

U.S. quarantine notes

This species was intercepted 18 times at U. S. ports-of-entry between 1995 and 2012, with specimens originating from Honduras, and Mexico. We also have examined specimens taken in quarantine from Mexico (Tillandsia). ScaleNet includes hosts in the genus Tillandsia and distribution records include Guatemala and Mexico. Tillancoccus mexicanus and T. tillandsiae Ben-Dov are the only species in the genus and both have been intercepted at U. S. ports-of-entry.

Important references

BenDov1989; Hodgso1994a.

Scalenet catalog and citation list

Click here for a Catalog.