Co-Authors:
Ben-Dov, Y., Div. of Entomology, ARO, The Volcani Center, Bet Dagan, Israel
Abstract:
A detailed, illustrated redescription is given of the adult female of the nigra scale, Parasaissetia nigra (Nietner), based on topotypic material from Ceylon and numerous samples from most of the territories of its geographical distribution. Qualitative and quantitative data are presented on the intra-specific variation in some of the significant taxonomic characters of this species. The nigra scale from Israel was reared successfully in the laboratory on squashes of the Butternut strain, and on potato sprouts. At 24° C, the development of a generation on squashes is completed within 45 - 60 days. Two parasites of Saissetia oleae - the encyrtid Metaphycus aff. stanleyi, and the aphelinid Coccophagus cowperi - were successfully reared on P. nigra. © 1978 Springer Science + Business Media B.V.