Aleurodicus niveus sp. nov (field image)

Nomenclature : 

Aleurodicus niveus    sp. nov [Martin, 2004: Zootaxa: 25]

Biology: Dorsal disk covered by opaque and white wax secretions.  Each compound pore secretes a single waxy filament.

Distribution: Neotropical: Belize [Martin, 2004: Zootaxa: 26].   

Host:  Orchidaceae:  Encyclia cochleata [Martin, 2004: Zootaxa: 26]

Taxonomy [Martin, 2004: Zootaxa: 26]: Margin smooth to broadly lobulate.

Seven pairs of compound pores present including larger cephalic & first four pairs of abdominal pairs (35-50 μm) and the last two posterior pairs reduced (15-20 μm) with those on segment VII twice as long as those on VIII; Central processes dagger-shaped, and protuding beyond pore rim.

Vasiform orifice broadly chordate, laterally thickened and almost completely covered by operculum,  with lingula (apically acute and finely bifid) exserted slightly beyond posterior margin of orifice;  operculum with a distinctly rugose or corrugated surface.

Anterior marginal setae not evident; posterior marginal setae present;12 pairs of submarginal setae; single submedian pair (long & hairlike) of pro-, meso- and metathoracic setae present;  

Broad, submarginal dense band of wide-rimmed pores present but not mesally lobed toward compound pores.

Natural Enemies: Unknown but signs of parasitism is pronounced.

Related genera: Because this species has an apically acute and a rugose/corrugate opercular surface,  this species resembles that of  Aleurodicus rugioperculatus sp. nov..