A new Monophlebine genus (Homoptera : Coccoidea : Margarodidae : Monophlebinae) on Melaleuca L. in Australia

Abstract

A new genus, Melaleucococcus, is erected in the tribe Monophlebulini to contain four new species from Australia: M. phacelopilus, M. notoporosus, M. hirtipectus and M. nodosus. All of the species feed on Melaleuca L. (Myrtaceae). The adult female of all four species and the first three nymphal instars of the male and all instars of the female of M. phacelopilus are described. Sexual dimorphism and behavioural differences are noted in the third instar of M. phacelopilus and M. nodosus, and other aspects of the biology of these two species are described. A key to the genera of the tribe Monophlebulini is presented.