Giant whiteflies (Sternorrhyncha, Aleyrodidae):a discussion of their taxonomic and evolutionary significance, with the description of a new species of Udamoselis Enderlein from Ecuador

Abstract

Three adult male whitefly specimens from Ecuador are described as Udamoselis estrellamarinae sp. n. This genus and its subfamily are reappraised on adult characters, including wing venation, paronychium structure, and distribution of abdominal wax glands. In the absence of associated puparia nomenclatural caution is preferred, but the subfamilies Udamoselinae and Aleurodicinae are likely to be synonymous. Wing venation of other very large whiteflies is illustrated, and is discussed in comparison with fossil taxa. Speculation is made on the possible biology of such giant whitefly species.