Hypogeal Margarodids of the genus Heteromargarodes Jakubski (Hemiptera: Margarodidae) from the western United States

Abstract

Soil-dwelling scale insects with cystlike feeding stages, called ground pearls, belong to several genera of Margarodidae (Hemiptera: Coccoidea), including Heteromargarodes Jakubski known only from the western United States. We revise and redescribe Heteromargarodes and its type species, H. americanus Jakubski, based on the adult female. In addition, Margarodes chukar McDaniel and Margarodes hiemalis Cockerell are transferred to Heteromargarodes as H. chukar (McDaniel), new combination, and H. hiemalis (Cockerell), new combination, respectively, and redescribed based on the adult female. A lectotype is designated for M. hiemalis. Another North American ground-pearl species, Margarodes dactyloides McDaniel, is found to be a new synonym of Eumargarodes laingi Jakubski. A key to the genera of ground pearls found in North America is included. Show more