The Ceroplastes Species (Homoptera: Coccoidea) of the Mediterranean Basin with Emphasis on C. Japonicus Green

Abstract

Four species of Ceroplastes, namely Ceroplastes rusci (L.), C. sinen- sis Del Guercio, C. floridensis Comstock and C. japonicus Green are currently established in the countries surrounding the Mediterranean Basin, where they show différent distribution ranges. An identification key of these species is pro- vided, together with a morphological account of their adult females. More atten- tion is devoted to the morphology of C. rusci and C. japonicus. An identification key of the four stages of development of C. japonicus is also provided. The dis- tribution of C. rusci, C. sinensis, C. floridensis and C. japonicus in the Mediter- ranean countries and in the world is given together with a brief account of their biology in the Mediterranean Basin.