Descriptiori of a grass feeding whitefly of the genus Tetraleurodes (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) from the indo-myanmar border

Abstract

A new species of whitefly, Tetraleurodes champaiensis Dubey sp. nov. (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) found infesting Sporobolus heterolepis (Poaceae) in Mizoram (India) is described along with measurements, line drawings and scanning electron microscope images. The species differs from Tetraleurodes thenmozhiae Jesudasan & David in being black in color and have bluntly pointed dorsal setae. The puparia of T. thenmozhiae are white and have capitate dorsal setae. The puparia of the new species were found feeding at the basal parts of central grass blades and almost near the ground level. An identification key to grass feeding Tetraleurodes species is provided. There was no ant attendance.