Genus: Azuraleurodicus .
Nomenclature:
Azuraleurodicus Martin [Martin, J. & Polaszek, A. , 1999]
Biology: Larval & pupal coloration: yellow while the wax secretion has a distinct bluish iridescence. This is the only Aleyrodid pupae with a blue iridescence (hence the generic name-Azur, meaning blue). Latest Genus described from Belize, Central America on Guettarda combesii (Holotype).
Distribution: Neotropical: Belize [Martin 2004: 32], Colombia [Martin 2004: 32], El Salvador [Martin 2004: 32].
Taxonomy:
Terminal claw present on each leg. Submarginal row of 12 setae.
Six compound pores of subequal size including the cephalic pair with the five large abdominal compound pores evenly spaced; Central process present, "dagger-shaped". Simple pores present: submarginal double-rimmed pores; single to double row of 8-shaped pores laterad to the double-rimmed pores; dorsal double pores with characteristic "hour-glass" shaped pores( also present in second & third prepupal stages); & dorsal wide-rimmed pores that may be paired with "hour-glass" shaped pores.
Robust lingula with four pair of long setae and exserted (glossary definition). Margin (not toothed under high magnification) with castellate folds; each fold terminates into a pore-like gland flush with the margin.
Natural Enemies: Two parasitoids (Hymenoptera, Aphelinidae) have been
described for its monobasic species: Dirphys
phania Polaszek n.
sp. & and Encarsiella
pithecura Polszek
n. sp.
Similar genera: Similar to Aleurodicus, but differs in the blue
secretion and the presence of the hour glass shaped pores; similar to Palaeoaleurodicus differing by the presence of a terminal claw
and other traits.
Azuraleurodicus pentarthrus Martin Nomenclature [Martin 2004:33-34] [Martin, J. & Polaszek, A. 1999]:
Distribution: Neotropical: Belize [Martin 2004: 33] [Martin, J. & Polaszek, A. 1999]., Colombia [Martin 2004: 33] (in quarantine at Miami, Fl), El Salvador [Martin 2004: 33]. Host [Martin, J. & Polaszek, A. 1999]: Clusiaceae: Vizmia comparaguey; Euphorbiaceae: Acalypha ?, Croton? pyramidalis, Codiaeum; Fabaceae: Erythrina [Martin 2004: 34], Phaseolus; Myrtaceae: Psidium guajave [Caballero, 1992: 82 undescribed #1]; Rubiaceae: Guettarda combesii; indet Family/Genus; Verbenaceae: Tectona grandis [Caballero, 1992]. |