taxonID	type	description	language	source
A9228789610FFFD6BC92FDD4FEE6FA99.taxon	materials_examined	Material studied. MADAGASCAR: Toliara Province Parc National de Tsimanampetsotsa, Mitoho Cave, 6.4 km 77 ° ENE Efoetse, 17.4 km 170 ° S Beheloka Elevation 40 m 24 ° 2 ' 50 " S 43 ° 45 ' 11 ", Pachypodium geayi (Apocynaceae), 18 - 22. iii. 2002, BLF 6220, C- 3599; Toliara Province, Forêt de Beroboka, 5.9 km 131 ° SE Ankidranoka, Elevation 80 m, 22 ° 13 ' 59 " S 43 ° 21 ' 59 " E, 12 - 16. iii. 2002, on Euphorbiaceae, BLF 6137, C- 3601; Toliara Province, Forêt de Mite, 20.7 km 29 ° WNW Tongobory, Elevation 75 m 23 ° 31 ' 27 " S 44 ° 7 ' 17 " E, Leptadenia madagascariensis (Apocynaceae), 27. ii- 3. iii. 2002, BLF 5935, C- 3607; Toliara Province, 12.7 km 287 ° W Marovato, elevation 130 m, 25 ° 32 ' 10 " S 45 ° 9 ' 1 " E, Euphorbia sp. (Euphorbiaceae), 17. ii. 2002, BLF 5699, C- 3617; Toliara Province, Forêt de Tsinjoriaky, 6.2 km 84 ° E Tsifota, elevation 70 m, 22 ° 48 ' 8 " S 43 ° 25 ' 14 " E, Hilsenbergia croatii (Boraginaceae), 6. iii. 2002, BLF 6057, C- 3627; Toliara Province, Forêt de Beroboka, 5.9 km 131 ° SE Ankidranoka, elevation 80 m, 22 ° 13 ' 59 " S 43 ° 21 ' 59 " E, Euphorbia antso (Euphorbiaceae), 16. iii. 2006, BLF 6106, C- 3630; Toliara Province, Mahafaly Plateau, 6.2 km 74 ° ENE Itampolo, elevation 80 m, 24 ° 39 ' 13 " S 43 ° 59 ' 48 " E, Euphorbia stenoclada (Euphorbiaceae), 21. i. 2002, BLF 5830, C- 3632.	en	Ben-Dov, Yair (2010): On new taxa and some described armoured scale insects (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) living in the galleries of the ant Melissotarsus insularis Santschi (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Madagascar. Zootaxa 2368: 49-58, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.193683
A9228789610FFFD6BC92FA86FC19F87F.taxon	materials_examined	Type species: Melissoaspis reticulata n. sp. This genus is referable to the subfamily Aspidiotinae. The pygidium of adult female is comprised of segments V, VI, VII and VIII, with 2 - 4 pairs of lobes. Without pygidial plates, without marginal scleroses, and without perivulvar pores. Dorsum of abdominal segments VIII, VII and VI with a reticulated pattern of dark and bright areas which are disposed perpendicularly to pygidial margin. Antennal tubercle submarginal with one seta. Spiracles without perispiracular pores. Microducts of 1 - barred type, thin and long, present in small numbers on both venter and dorsum. Anal opening placed at about half distance to vulva. This genus is referable to the Aspidiotinae because the adult female of the two species included in it are characterized in: microducts of 1 - barred type, unisetose antennal tubercle, spiracles without perispiracular pores, and pygidial margin with lobes. This genus differs from other genera of the Aspidiotinae in the absence of pygidial plates in the adult female. Melissoaspis might be considered as related to the Rugaspidiotine group of genera based on the shape of pygidial margin, but the latter belong to the Diaspidinae.	en	Ben-Dov, Yair (2010): On new taxa and some described armoured scale insects (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) living in the galleries of the ant Melissotarsus insularis Santschi (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Madagascar. Zootaxa 2368: 49-58, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.193683
A9228789610FFFD6BC92FA86FC19F87F.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The generic name is derived from " Melisso " as an abbreviation of the generic name " Melissotarsus " and of the Greek noun " aspis " [= scale], referring to the association of the two new species, here included in this genus, with the ant Melissotarsus insularis.	en	Ben-Dov, Yair (2010): On new taxa and some described armoured scale insects (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) living in the galleries of the ant Melissotarsus insularis Santschi (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Madagascar. Zootaxa 2368: 49-58, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.193683
A9228789610CFFD4BC92FF4EFDAEFD71.taxon	description	Adult female: as in generic diagnosis, but body circular-oval; 0.7 – 0.8 mm long, 0.5 – 0.6 mm wide. Pygidium with a pair of median lobes, and a pair of second lobes, each about half as long as median lobe; median lobes separated from each other, without intervening plates. Segmental setae on pygidial margin each 14 – 35 μm long. Without pygidial marginal scleroses. Without perivulvar pores. Dorsum of abdominal segments VIII, VII and VI with a reticulated pattern of dark and bright areas which are disposed perpendicularly to pygidial margin. Anal opening oval, about 10 μm long, 5 μm wide; separated from pygidial apex at a distance about twice its longer axis. Vulva placed at a level about twice that of anal opening. Anterior and posterior spiracles without perispiracular pores. Antennal tubercle situated submarginally, with one hair. Microducts, of 1 - barred type, each about 20 μm long, 2 μm in diameter; on venter disposed submarginally from pygidium up to level with posterior spiracle. Dorsal intersegmental line between segments IV and III present as a continuous, dark, sclerotised line.	en	Ben-Dov, Yair (2010): On new taxa and some described armoured scale insects (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) living in the galleries of the ant Melissotarsus insularis Santschi (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Madagascar. Zootaxa 2368: 49-58, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.193683
A9228789610CFFD4BC92FF4EFDAEFD71.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The species epithet bears the name of Dr. Brian L. Fisher, Department of Entomology, California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco, California, U. S. A., who collected the material in Madagascar and forwarded it for this study.	en	Ben-Dov, Yair (2010): On new taxa and some described armoured scale insects (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) living in the galleries of the ant Melissotarsus insularis Santschi (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Madagascar. Zootaxa 2368: 49-58, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.193683
A9228789610CFFD4BC92FF4EFDAEFD71.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. Holotype female (C- 3619: 12), MADAGASCAR, Toliara Province Forêt de Mite, 20.7 km 29 ° WNW Tongobory, elevation 75 m, 23 ° 31 ' 27 " S 44 ° 7 ' 17 " E, collected from galleries of Melissotarsus insularis Santschi, on undetermined host plant, 27. ii. 2002, BLF 5916, C- 3619. Paratype females: 10 adult females with same data as holotype.	en	Ben-Dov, Yair (2010): On new taxa and some described armoured scale insects (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) living in the galleries of the ant Melissotarsus insularis Santschi (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Madagascar. Zootaxa 2368: 49-58, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.193683
A9228789610DFFD4BC92FCEEFA04F83C.taxon	description	Shape and colour of scale covering of the adult female unknown, since all specimens of the type-series were scale-less. Male not observed. Adult female; as in generic diagnosis, but body circular-oval; 0.5 – 1.3 mm long, 0.4 – 0.6 mm wide. Pygidium with poorly-defined 4 pairs of lobes; median lobes narrowly separated from each other, together forming a broad triangular projection; second lobes triangular; third lobes smaller than the second; fourth lobes triangular. Segmental setae on pygidial margin each 16 – 30 μm long. Without pygidial marginal scleroses. Without perivulvar pores. Dorsum of abdominal segments VIII, VII and VI with a reticulated pattern of dark and bright areas which are disposed perpendicularly to pygidial margin. Anal opening oval, about 14 μm long, 7 μm wide; separated from pygidial apex at a distance about 7 times its longer axis. Vulva placed at a level about twice that of anal opening. Anterior and posterior spiracles without perispiracular pores. Antennal tubercle situated submarginally, with one hair. Microducts, of 1 - barred type, each about 25 μm long, 1 μm in diameter; on venter disposed submarginally from pygidium up to level with posterior spiracle, plus a few anterior to both spiracles; a few also disposed near pygidial margin on dorsum. Dorsal intersegmental line between segments IV and III present as a discontinued, dark, sclerotised line.	en	Ben-Dov, Yair (2010): On new taxa and some described armoured scale insects (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) living in the galleries of the ant Melissotarsus insularis Santschi (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Madagascar. Zootaxa 2368: 49-58, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.193683
A9228789610DFFD4BC92FCEEFA04F83C.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The species epithet refers to the reticulated pattern on the pygidial dorsum of the adult female.	en	Ben-Dov, Yair (2010): On new taxa and some described armoured scale insects (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) living in the galleries of the ant Melissotarsus insularis Santschi (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Madagascar. Zootaxa 2368: 49-58, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.193683
A9228789610DFFD4BC92FCEEFA04F83C.taxon	materials_examined	Type material. All specimens were collected in Madagascar by B. L. Fisher, from galleries of Melissotarsus insularis Santschi, on various host plants. Holotype female (C- 3600 - 1): Toliara Province, Réserve Privé Berenty, Forêt de Bealoka, Mandraré River, 14.6 km 329 ° NNW Amboasary, Elevation 35 m 24 ° 57 ' 25 " S 46 ° 16 ' 17 " E, host plant not recorded, 8. ii. 2002. Paratypes: 2 females same collection data as holotype. Also 2 females: (C- 3606), Toliara Province, Réserve Privé Berenty, Forêt de Bealoka, Mandraré River, 14.6 km 329 ° NNW Amboasary, elevation 35 m, 24 ° 57 ' 25 " S 46 ° 16 ' 17 " E, 8. iii. 2002, on Albizia sp. (Fabaceae). Also 3 females, (C - 3619): Toliara Province, Forêt de Mite, 20.7 km 29 ° WNW Tongobory, Elevation 75 m 23 ° 31 ' 27 " S 44 ° 7 ' 17 " E, host plant not recorded, 27. ii. 2002. Also 4 females (C- 3621): Toliara Province, Parc National d'Andohahela, Forêt de Manantalinjo, 33.6 km 63 ° ENE Amboasary, 7.6 km 99 ° E Hazofotsy, Elevation 150 m, 24 ° 49 ' 1 " S 4 ° 36 ' 36 " E, 16. i. 2002, on Boscia longifolia (Brassicaceae). The holotype is deposited, in ICVI; paratypes will be deposited in the collections of BMNH, MNHN and USNM.	en	Ben-Dov, Yair (2010): On new taxa and some described armoured scale insects (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) living in the galleries of the ant Melissotarsus insularis Santschi (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Madagascar. Zootaxa 2368: 49-58, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.193683
A9228789610BFFD2BC92FF4EFC0DFC47.taxon	description	The original description of this species from South Africa, and later records from Angola, Mozambique and Zimbabwe, were all based on populations with normal diaspidoid scale covering (Ben-Dov & German, 2003). Prins et al. (1975) observed ‘ scale-less’ populations of M. conspicua when these were developing in galleries of Melissotarsus emeryi in South Africa. The new data given here show that M. conspicua also occurs in Madagascar. This is also the first report on its scale-less populations in galleries of Melissotarsus insularis.	en	Ben-Dov, Yair (2010): On new taxa and some described armoured scale insects (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) living in the galleries of the ant Melissotarsus insularis Santschi (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Madagascar. Zootaxa 2368: 49-58, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.193683
A9228789610BFFD2BC92FF4EFC0DFC47.taxon	materials_examined	Material studied. MADAGASCAR: Toliara Province, Parc National d'Andohahela, Forêt de Manantalinjo, Boscia longifolia (Brassicaceae), 16. xii. 2002, BLF 4880, C- 3598; Toliara Province, Réserve Privé Berenty, Forêt d'Anjapolo, 21.4 km 325 ° NW Amboasary elevation 65 m 24 ° 55 ' 47 " S 46 ° 12 ' 35 " E, Boscia longifolia, 7. ii. 2002, BLF 5454, C- 3605; Toliara Province, Réserve Privé Berenty, Forêt d'Anjapolo, 21.4 km 325 ° NW Amboasary, elevation 65 m 24 ° 55 ' 47 " S 46 ° 12 ' 35 " E, host plant not recorded, 7. ii. 2002 BLF 5457, C- 3613; Toliara Province Réserve Privé Berenty, Forêt de Bealoka, Mandraré River, 24 ° 57 ' 25 " S 46 ° 16 ' 17 " E, Maytenus linearis (Celastraceae), 8. iii. 2002, BLF 5322, C- 3615; Toliara Province, Réserve Privé Berenty, Forêt de Bealoka, Mandraré River, 24 ° 57 ' 25 " S 46 ° 16 ' 17 " E, host plant not recorded, 8. iii. 2002, BLF 5332, C- 3618; Toliara Province Parc National d'Andohahela, Forêt d'Ambohibory, 24 ° 55 ' 48 " S 46 ° 38 ' 44 " E, Fernandoa madagascariensis (Bignoniaceae), 20. i. 2002, BLF 4990, C- 3620; Toliara Province, Libanona, Tolagnaro, 25 ° 02.4 ' S, 46 ° 59.9 ' E, Casuarina equisetifolia (Casuarinaceae), D. Burge 1. x. 2002, DOB 129, C- 3622; Toliara Province, Forêt de Mite, 20.7 km 29 ° WNW Tongobory, elevation 75 m, 23 ° 31 ' 27 " S 44 ° 7 ' 17 " E, Leptadenia madagascariensis (Apocynaceae), 27. ii. 2002, BLF 5934, C- 3631.	en	Ben-Dov, Yair (2010): On new taxa and some described armoured scale insects (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) living in the galleries of the ant Melissotarsus insularis Santschi (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Madagascar. Zootaxa 2368: 49-58, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.193683
A9228789610BFFD0BC92FBF3FDC8FCC1.taxon	description	Shape and colour of scale covering of the adult female unknown, since all specimens of the type-series were scale-less. Male not observed. Adult female circular-oval; 0.6 – 0.7 mm long, 0.4 – 0.5 mm wide. Pygidium with a pair of median lobes; with a pair of second lobes, about a third as long as median lobes; median lobes, without notches, separated from each other along inner margin, and without plates between lobes; each second lobe notched apically. Segmental setae on pygidial margin each 20 - 27 μm long. With two pairs of pygidial marginal scleroses. Without perivulvar pores. Anal opening oval, about 12 μm long, 7 μm wide; separated from pygidial apex at a distance about twice its longer axis. Vulva placed at a level about 4 times that of anal opening. Anterior and posterior spiracles without perispiracular pores. Antennal tubercle situated submarginally, with one hair. Microducts, of one-barred type, about 15 μm long, 2 μm in diameter; on venter disposed submarginally from pygidium up to level with anterior spiracle. Dorsal intersegmental line between segments IV and III present as a continuous, dark, sclerotised line; with an oval sclerotised area placed laterally on each side of this intersegmental line. With a longitudinal, sclerotised area placed laterally on each side of the vulva.	en	Ben-Dov, Yair (2010): On new taxa and some described armoured scale insects (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) living in the galleries of the ant Melissotarsus insularis Santschi (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Madagascar. Zootaxa 2368: 49-58, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.193683
A9228789610BFFD0BC92FBF3FDC8FCC1.taxon	etymology	Etymology. The species epithet refers to the close association of this armoured scale species with the ant, Melissotarsus insularis.	en	Ben-Dov, Yair (2010): On new taxa and some described armoured scale insects (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) living in the galleries of the ant Melissotarsus insularis Santschi (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Madagascar. Zootaxa 2368: 49-58, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.193683
A9228789610BFFD0BC92FBF3FDC8FCC1.taxon	materials_examined	Type Material. All specimens were collected in MADAGASCAR by B. L. Fisher, from galleries of Melissotarsus insularis Santschi, on various host plants. Holotype female (C- 3624: 2), Toliara Province, 6.0 km 131 ° SE, Lavanono, Soamanitra, elevation 150 m, 25 ° 26 ' 44 " S 44 ° 59 ' 45 " E, Salvadora angustifolia (Salvadoraceae), 17. ii. 2002, BLF 5739. Paratype: 7 females, locality and host plant not recorded, 9. xii. 2001, BLF 4784, C- 3572. Also 3 females, Toliara Province, Forêt de Mite, 20.7 km 29 ° WNW Tongobory, elevation 75 m, 23 ° 31 ' 27 " S 44 ° 7 ' 17 " E, Rinorea greveana (Violaceae), 27. ii. 2002, BLF 5926, C- 3602. Also 2 females, Toliara Province, Réserve Privé Berenty, Forêt de Bealoka, Mandraré River, 14.6 km 329 ° NNW Amboasary, elevation 35 m, 24 ° 57 ' 25 " S 46 ° 16 ' 17 " E, Rinorea greveana, 3. viii. 2002, BLF 5386, C- 3604. Also 2 females, Toliara Province, Tuliara Airport, elevation 40 m, 23 ° 23 ' S, 43 ° 43 ' E, Azima tetracantha (Salvadoraceae), D. Burge, 7. i. 2002, DOB 128, C- 3611. Also 2 females, Toliara Province, Réserve Privé Berenty, Forêt de Malaza, Mandraré River, 8.6 km 314 ° NW Amboasary, elevation 40 m, 25 ° 0 ' 28 " S 46 ° 18 ' 22 " E, Azima tetracantha, 6. ii. 2002, BLF 5435, C- 3612. Also Toliara Province, Forêt de Mite, 20.7 km 29 ° WNW Tongobory, elevation 75 m, 23 ° 31 ' 27 " S 44 ° 7 ' 17 " E, Rinorea greveana, 27. ii. 2002, BLF 5895, C- 3623. 4 females, Toliara Province, 6.0 km 131 ° SE, Lavanono, Soamanitra, elevation 150 m, 25 ° 26 ' 44 " S 44 ° 59 ' 45 " E, Salvadora angustifolia (Salvadoraceae), 17. ii. 2002, BLF 5739, C- 3624. Also 2 females, Toliara Province, Mahafaly Plateau, 6.2 km 74 ° ENE Itampolo, elevation 80 m, 24 ° 39 ' 13 " S 43 ° 59 ' 48 " E, host plant not determined, 21. ii. 2002, BLF 5841, C- 3626. Also 2 females, Toliara Province Forêt de Beroboka, 5.9 km 131 ° SE Ankidranoka elevation 80 m 22 ° 13 ' 59 " S 43 ° 21 ' 59 " E, host plant not determined, 16. iii. 2002, BLF 6107, C- 3629. Also 1 female, Toliara Province, Forêt de Beroboka, 5.9 km 131 ° SE Ankidranoka, elevation 80 m, 22 ° 13 ' 59 " S 43 ° 21 ' 59 " E, Grewia cyclea (Malvaceae), 16. iii. 2002, BLF 6089, C- 3633. The holotype is deposited, in ICVI; paratypes will be deposited in the collections of BMNH, MNHN and USNM. Notes. Although this new species differs from the type species of Morganella, M. longispina (Morgan) in having two pairs of pygidial lobes, and in the absence of pygidial plates, it is here being placed in the genus Morganella because in other features of the adult female M. formicaria possess the facies of Morganella - such as prominent median lobes, absence of perivulvar pores, presence of minute microducts, and anal opening placed close to pygidial apex.	en	Ben-Dov, Yair (2010): On new taxa and some described armoured scale insects (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) living in the galleries of the ant Melissotarsus insularis Santschi (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Madagascar. Zootaxa 2368: 49-58, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.193683
