Ben-Dov, Y., Division of Entomology, Agricultural Research Organization, The Volcani Center, Bet Dagan, Israel

Observations on the taxonomy, distribution and host-plants of scale insects of several taxa in the Middle East are reported. A lectotype is designated for Bodenheimera rachelae (Bodenh.). Coccus capparidis (Green) is recorded for the first time from Israel and the Mediterranean region. C. arens Hodgson is a new synonym of C. capparidis. C. pseudo-magnoliarum (Kuw.) is recorded from Israel and France. The genus Paralecanopsis is regarded as a subjective synonym of Lecanopsis. Archaspis is synonymised with Quadraspidiotus and Archaspis ephedrae Bodenh. with Quadraspidiotus cecconii (Leonardi). The identity of Diaspis capparidis Bodenh. is established, the species is transferred to Rungaspis, and R. trabuti Balachowsky synonymised with it. R. macrolobis Kaussari is redescribed and a lectoype designated; it is recorded from Israel. A key is given to the three species of Rungaspis, and Sinaidiaspis is synonymised with this. Pseudococcus lindingeri Bodenh. is transferred to Planococcus, and Planococcus variabilis (Hall) synonymised with it. Trionymus internodii (Hall) is recorded for the first time from pineapple and from Israel. © 1980, Cambridge University Press. All rights reserved.