Metaleurodicus tenuis sp. nov.
Nomenclature [Martin 2004 Zootaxa: 49]:
Metaleurodicus tenuis sp. nov.
Distribution [Martin 2004 Zootaxa: 50]: Neotropical: Belize [Martin 2004 Zootaxa: 50].
Host [Martin 2004 Zootaxa: 50]: Myrtaceae: Eugenia sp. [Martin 2004 Zootaxa: 50]
Taxonomy [Martin 2004 Zootaxa: 49-50]:
Vasiform orifice rounded-triangular, longer than wide; covered by a transversely rounded-laterally operculum with a straight anterior & posterior margin that has a band of spinules lining the posterior margin bearing a pair of very fine setae; lingula tongue-shaped inserted and finely spinulose.
Anterior (minute) & posterior marginal setae (size same as caudal setae) present; 12 pairs of hairlike setae present on extreme outer margin on the submargin; paired cephalothoracic setae absent; 8th abdominal setae anterior to & opposite corners of operculum, similar to submarginal setae.
7 pairs of compound pores present and subequal in size, each narrowly cylindrical up to 25 μm: Scattered dorsal minute bright pores & 4 & 5-locular pores present.
Related species[Martin 2004 Zootaxa: 50-51]: Resembles M. griseus (Dozier) having 7 pairs of compound pores; however, M. griseus has compound pores a little longer than wide whereas this M. tenuis has the emarginate cylindrical form. M. tenuis also has a row of fine setae in the extreme outer submargin; whereas in M. griseus (Dozier) they coarser, longer and set more mesad of the submargin.
Natural Enemies: Unknown