Taxonomy of the wax scales (Hemiptera : Coccidae: Ceroplastinae) in Australia

Abstract

A comprehensive taxonomic treatment of the wax scales in Australia is presented. Seven species are included; of these, six [Ceroplastes ceriferus (Fabricius), C. destructor Newstead, C. floridensis Comstock, C. insulanus De Lotto, C. rubens Maskell, C. sinensis Del Guercio] were known in Australia previously, and one [Vinsonia stellifera (Westwood)] is recorded from Australia for the first time. The adult females of C. destructor, C. insulanus and C. sinensis, and the immature stages of males and females of C. sinensis are described and illustrated. Keys to the adult females of the seven species known in Australia and to both sexes and different stages of C. sinensis are provided.