Three new species of Puto giant mealybugs (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Putoidae) from Mexico and Guatemala, with keys to New World adult females and World adult males Author Powell, Erin C. 0000-0002-2483-1883 Florida State Collection of Arthropods, Division of Plant Industry, 1911 SW 34 th St., Gainesville, FL 32608, U. S. A. owell@fdacs.gov Author Miller, Douglass R. Florida State Collection of Arthropods, Division of Plant Industry, 1911 SW 34 th St., Gainesville, FL 32608, U. S. A. & Retired Research Entomologist, Systematic Entomology Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, Rm. 328, Bldg. 003, Beltsville, MD 20705, U. S. A. text Zootaxa 2024 2024-04-23 5443 3 301 336 http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5443.3.1 journal article 10.11646/zootaxa.5443.3.1 1175-5326 11045249 44123F53-17F2-4205-8B14-1155D41FCEBA Puto spath Powell & Miller , sp. n. Suggested common name: peace lily giant mealybug Material examined Holotype adult female is on left side on a slide containing 2 adult females and is circled on slide cover. Left label “ Puto / Guatemala / ex Spathiphyllum sp. / IX-16-1976 plant / New Orleans 9134. / W. Stafford , B. Davis / Balsam”. Right label gives map of holotype position and states “ Puto spath / Powell & Miller / n.sp.”, USNM . Paratypes : GUATEMALA : taken in quarantine at New Orleans , Louisiana , IX-9-1976 , on Spathiphyllum sp. , C. Garcia , W. Harris and B. Davis ( 1 ad. ♀ , 1 second-instar ♀ together on 1 slide) USNM ; taken in quarantine at New Orleans , Louisiana , IX-16-1976 , on Spathiphyllum sp. , W. Stafford and B. Davis ( 2 ad. ♀♀ , 2 third-instar ♀♀ , 3 second-instar ♂♂ , 1 first-instar nymph mounted on 3 slides) USNM ; taken in quarantine at New Orleans , Louisiana , IX-24-1976 , on Spathiphyllum sp. , leaf, B. Davis ( 1 ad. ♀ , 2 third-instar ♀♀ , 2 second-instar ♂♂ together on 1 slide) USNM , ( 1 ad. ♀ , 1 third-instar ♀ , 2 second-instar ♂♂ together on 1 slide) FSCA ; taken in quarantine at New Orleans , Louisiana , X-7-1976 , on Spathiphyllum sp. stems, R. Sharp (2 third-instar ♀♀ , 1 second-instar ♂ , 2 first-instar nymphs together on 1 slide) USNM ; taken in quarantine at Miami , Florida , X-20- 1976 , on Spathiphyllum sp. , stem, F. Matthews (2 third-instar ♀♀ , 2 second-instar ♂♂ together on 1 slide) USNM , ( 1 ad. ♀ on 1 slide) UCD . Etymology: The species epithet “ spath ” is a noun in apposition based on an abbreviation of the scientific name of the host plant, Spathiphyllum . Adult female ( Fig. 7 ) Description: Slide-mounted holotype 2.34 mm long, 1.27 mm wide; paratypes 2.66–3.98 mm long, 1.58–2.80 mm wide; body elongate oval. Dorsum with 16 pairs of cerarii; anal-lobe cerarii each containing 14–16 lanceolate setae ( paratypes 10–17) and 20–22 trilocular pores ( paratypes 17–24); frontal cerarii each containing 17–20 lanceolate setae ( paratypes 16–18) and 12–14 trilocular pores ( paratypes 13–16); antefrontal cerarii not distinct, each with 11–22 loosely clustered setae and without sclerotization; each cerarius without associated discoidal pores or oral-rim type tubular ducts; and all marginal cerarii with basal sclerotization. Anterior and posterior ostioles present. Multilocular disc-pores absent; trilocular pores of 1 size, numerous, concentrated in rows across abdominal segments, scattered across thorax and head, more numerous on dorsum than venter, present on lips of ostioles; discoidal pores scattered over body. Oral-rim type tubular ducts and oral-collar tubular ducts absent. Dorsal setae lanceolate, forming rows across segments II–VII, clustered on lips of ostioles; scattered on head and thorax, on margin between cerarii on head and thorax, but absent from submedial and medial area of segment VIII. Longest seta on abdomen 29 µm ( paratypes 25–32 µm) long, longest seta in abdominal cerarii about 35 µm ( paratypes 33–36 µm) long. Anal ring dorsal, bearing 6 anal-ring setae with apices acute ( one paratype female with 7 setae); posterior anal-ring setae each about 239 µm long ( paratypes 231–273 µm long); 1.5 times ( paratype 1.5–2.0 times) as long as greatest diameter of anal ring. Venter with multilocular disc-pores abundant on segments II–VIII, especially abundant on VII–VIII, also on thorax and head; multilocular disc-pores of 2 sizes, larger multilocular disc-pores each with 10 outer loculi and trilocular center restricted to posterior segments VII–VIII; smaller disc-pores 7-locular and 9-locular, with simple centers, scattered over entire body. Trilocular pores of 1 size, numerous, scattered over body; discoidal pores scattered over body. Oral-collar tubular ducts of 2 sizes; shorter oral-collar tubular ducts arranged in transverse rows on abdominal segments IV–V, and in submarginal and marginal areas of abdominal segments VI–VIII; longer oral-collar tubular ducts present in cluster of 19 ( paratypes 14–25) anterior to mouthparts. Long hair-like setae arranged in segmental rows across abdomen, longest seta 96 µm ( paratypes 82–106 µm) long, longest seta on abdominal segment V 73 µm ( paratypes 72–97 µm) long, longest seta on head 93 µm ( paratypes 83–95 µm) long. Circulus divided into 2 oval parts on abdominal segment III, each part 71–72 µm ( paratypes 71–104 µm) in diameter; one paratype female with 1 additional circulus on segment IV, only present on right side, 89 µm in diameter. Labium 226 µm ( paratypes 240–249 µm) long. Antennae each 9-segmented, each about 735 µm ( paratypes 777–848 µm) long; apical segment 131 µm ( paratypes 137–146 µm) long, segment III 108 µm ( paratypes 116–123 µm) long; antennal intersegmental sensilla present between segments III and IV, IV and V, and VI and VII; coeloconic sensilla present on segments II, V, and IX. Hind tibiae each with small translucent pores. Femora each 363 µm ( paratypes 387–419 µm) long, tibiae each 459 µm ( paratypes 486–504 µm) long, tibia/tarsus 2.9 ( paratypes 2.7–3.0). Hind trochanters each with 3 campaniform sensilla on each surface. Tarsal digitules capitate, claw digitules capitate, longer than claw; claw denticle present but basal spurs present. Diagnosis: Puto spath differs from all other described species of Puto by having the following combination of character states: a single divided circulus; claw with a denticle; dorsal oral-rim type tubular ducts absent; oral-rim type tubular ducts associated with cerarii absent; two sizes of ventral multilocular disc-pores abundant; and larger multilocular disc-pores each with 9 outer loculi and a trilocular center present on the posterior abdominal segments. Puto spath is most similar to P . bicirculatus Gavrilov-Zimin, 2023 by having: (i) a divided circulus; (ii) dorsal oral-rim type tubular ducts absent; (iii) claw denticle present; (iv) oral-rim type tubular ducts in the cerarii absent; (v) ventral multilocular disc-pores widely distributed over the body; and (vi) tarsal and claw digitules enlarged/ capitate. It differs from P. bicirculatus by having ( P. bicirculatus character states are presented in parentheses): (i) rows of multilocular disc-pores 6 or 7 pores wide on the abdomen (1–2 pores wide); and (ii) well-developed ostioles with setae and trilocular pores on lips (ostioles poorly developed and invisible in paratype specimens). FIGURE 7. Puto spath Powell & Miller , sp. n. , adult female holotype, Guatemala at New Orleans , September 16, 1976, Stafford and Davis, on Spathiphyllum , #9134. A =long oral-collar tubular duct; B =antennal intersegmental sensilla; C =dorsal seta; D =9- locular pore; E, H =trilocular pores; F, J =discoidal pores; G =divided circulus; I =oral-collar tubular duct; K =translucent pores on hind tibia; L =anal-lobe cerarius; M =large 10-locular pore with trilocular center; N =claw. Puto spath is similar to P . lamottei by having: (i) a claw denticle; (ii) oral-rim type tubular ducts in the cerarii absent; and (iii) a divided circulus. It differs from P. lamottei by having ( P. lamottei character states are presented in parentheses): (i) usually only a single divided circulus (a divided circulus on abdominal segment III and a single undivided circulus on abdominal segment IV); and (ii) many multilocular disc-pores in the medial areas of the head and thorax (no multilocular disc-pores in the medial area of the head and thorax, multilocular disc-pores restricted to around the spiracles and vulva). Third-instar female ( Fig. 8 ) Description: Slide-mounted, 2.02–2.28 mm long, 1.06–1.14 mm wide; body elongate oval. Dorsum with 16 pairs of cerarii; anal-lobe cerarii each with 6–8 lanceolate setae and 12–16 trilocular pores; frontal cerarii each with 7–14 lanceolate setae and 8–12 trilocular pores; antefrontal cerarii not distinct, each with 4– 9 loosely clustered setae, without sclerotization; cerarii without associated discoidal pores or oral-rim type tubular ducts; and marginal cerarii with basal sclerotization. Anterior and posterior ostioles present. Multilocular disc-pores absent, trilocular pores of 1 size, numerous, scattered across body; present on lips of ostioles; discoidal pores rare, scattered over body. Oral-rim type tubular ducts and oral-collar tubular ducts absent. Dorsal setae lanceolate, forming rows across abdominal segments II–VII, scattered on head and thorax, with many on margin between cerarii especially on head, but absent from medial area of abdominal segment VIII. Longest seta on abdomen 20–27 µm long, longest seta in abdominal cerarii 27–31 µm long. Anal ring bent around posterior apex, bearing 6 anal-ring setae with apices acute; posterior anal-ring setae each 175–220 µm long, 1.4–1.9 times as long as greatest diameter of anal ring. Venter with multilocular disc-pores present on segments II–V, absent from posterior segments, scattered on thorax and head, predominantly 7- and 9-locular. Trilocular pores of 1 size, scattered over body; discoidal pores scattered over body, more abundant on venter than on dorsum. Long oral-collar tubular ducts forming cluster (13– 20) on head anterior to mouthparts, absent from rest of thorax and abdomen. Long, hair-like setae forming rows across abdomen, longest ventral setae 71–80 µm long, longest seta on abdominal segment V 57–72 µm long, longest seta on head 73–102 µm long. Circulus divided into 2 oval parts on segment III, each part 39–51 µm in diameter. Labium 197–215 µm long. Antennae each 8-segmented, 664–706 µm long in total; apical segment 123–136 µm long, segment III 99–111 µm long; antennal intersegmental sensilla present between segments V and VI; coeloconic sensilla present on segments IV and VIII. Hind tibia and distal femur with a few translucent pores. Femora each 305–324 µm long; tibiae each 342–398 µm long, tibia/tarsus 2.0–2.2. Hind trochanters each with 2 campaniform sensilla on each surface. Tarsal digitules capitate, longer than claw, claw digitules capitate, longer than claw; claw denticle and basal spurs present. Diagnosis: The third-instar female of P . spath is similar to that of P . philo by having: (i) a circulus that is divided into two parts; (ii) ventral multilocular disc-pores present; (iii) tarsal and claw digitules capitate; (iv) dorsal ostioles present; (v) numerous long oral-collar tubular ducts in cluster anterior to mouthparts; and (vi) translucent pores on hind tibiae and sometimes on hind femora. Puto spath differs from P . philo as follows (distinguishing character states of P . philo are given in parentheses): (i) claw denticle present (absent); and (ii) multilocular disc-pores abundant on head, thorax, and anterior abdominal segments (multilocular disc-pores few, present on pro- and mesothorax). When compared with third-instar females collected 15 miles S. of Nampa, Idaho , March 25, 1955 on shadscale ( USNM ), determined as P . atriplicis McKenzie, 1961 , the third-instar females of P . spath are similar by having: (i) claw denticle present; (ii) with multilocular disc-pores on venter of head, thorax, and anterior abdominal segments; and (iii) ostioles present. Puto spath differs from P . philo as follows (distinguishing character states of P . atriplicis are given in parentheses): (i) circulus divided (circulus undivided); and (ii) tarsal and claw digitules capitate (digitules apically acute). Second-instar female ( Fig. 9 ) Description: Slide-mounted, 1.59–1.77 mm long, 0.87–1.05 mm wide; body elongate oval. FIGURE 8. Puto spath Powell & Miller , sp. n. , third-instar female paratype, Guatemala at New Orleans , September 24, 1976, Davis et al ., on Spathiphyllum , #9154. A =long oral-collar tubular duct; B, E =discoidal pores; C =antennal intersegmental sensilla; D =marginal seta; F =9-locular pore; G, N =trilocular pores; H =7-locular pore; I =claw; J =dorsal seta; K =divided circulus; L =translucent pores on hind tibia; M =anal-lobe cerarius. FIGURE 9. Puto spath Powell & Miller , sp. n. , second-instar female paratype, Guatemala at Miami, October 20, 1976, Matthews, on Spathiphyllum , #14810. A =long oral-collar tubular duct; B, C =trilocular pores; D, H =discoidal pores; E =9- locular pore; F =7-locular pore; G =dorsal seta; I =divided circulus; J =anal-lobe cerarius; K =claw. Dorsum with 16 pairs of cerarii, anal-lobe cerarii each with 5–6 lanceolate setae and 7–12 trilocular pores, frontal cerarii each with 6–9 lanceolate setae and 8–9 trilocular pores; antefrontal cerarii not distinct, each with 3–7 loosely clustered setae, without sclerotization; cerarii without associated discoidal pores or oral-rim type tubular ducts; and marginal cerarii with weak basal sclerotization. Anterior and posterior ostioles present. Multilocular disc-pores absent; trilocular pores of 1 size, larger than those on venter, numerous, scattered over body, more numerous on dorsum than on venter, present near, or on, lips of ostioles; discoidal pores few, scattered over body. Oral-rim type tubular ducts and oral-collar tubular ducts absent. Dorsal setae lanceolate, scattered across body and present near, or on, lips of ostioles; longest seta on abdomen 21–25 µm long, longest seta in abdominal cerarii 28–29 µm long. Anal ring dorsal or bent around posterior apex, bearing 6 anal-ring setae with apices acute; posterior anal-ring setae each 132–152 µm long, 1.4–1.6 times as long as greatest diameter of anal ring. Venter with multilocular disc-pores in medial area from head to segment III, predominantly each 7-locular. Trilocular pores of 1 size, smaller than those on dorsum, scattered over body; discoidal pores scattered over body. Long oral-collar tubular ducts of 1 size forming cluster (10–13) on head anterior to mouthparts. Long, hair-like setae sparse, forming rows across abdomen, longest on head, longest seta on abdomen 54–70 µm long, longest seta on segment V 45–51 µm long, longest seta on head 68–72 µm long. Circulus divided into 2 oval parts on segment III, each part 19–25 µm in diameter. Labium 168–178 µm long. Antennae each 7-segmented, total 548–600 µm long, apical segment 112–123 µm long, segment III 116–133 µm long; antennal intersegmental sensilla present between segments IV and V; coeloconic sensilla present on segments III and VII. Hind legs without translucent pores. Femora each 238–265 µm long; tibiae each 274–312 µm long, tibia/tarsus 1.7–1.9. Hind trochanters each with 2 campaniform sensilla on each surface. Tarsal digitules capitate, claw digitules capitate, longer than claw; claw denticle and basal spurs present. Diagnosis: The second-instar female of P . spath is similar to that of P . philo by having: (i) a circulus that is divided into two parts; (ii) ventral multilocular disc-pores present; (iii) tarsal and claw digitules capitate; (iv) dorsal ostioles present; and (v) numerous long oral-collar tubular ducts in cluster anterior to mouthparts. It differs from P . philo by having (character states of P . philo are given in parentheses): (i) the claw denticle present (absent); and (ii) multilocular disc-pores abundant of head, thorax, and anterior abdominal segments (with few multilocular disc-pores, present on the pro- and mesothorax). When compared with second-instar females collected 18 miles S.W. of Mt. Home, Idaho , April 6, 1958 on shadscale ( USNM ), determined as P . atriplicis , the second-instar females of P . spath are similar by having: (i) claw denticle present; (ii) ostioles present; and (iii) oral-collar tubular ducts absent from both body surfaces. It differs from P . atriplicis as follows (distinguishing character states of P . atriplicis are given in parentheses): (i) circulus divided (circulus undivided); (ii) tarsal and claw digitules capitate (digitules apically acute); and (iii) with multilocular disc-pores on venter of head, thorax, and anterior abdominal segments (multilocular disc-pores on pro- and mesothorax). Second-instar male ( Fig. 10 ) Description: Slide-mounted, 1.74–2.75 mm long, 1.03–1.46 mm wide; body elongate oval. Dorsum with 16 pairs of cerarii, anal-lobe cerarii each with 4–7 lanceolate setae and 10–13 trilocular pores; frontal cerarii each with 6–9 lanceolate setae and 7–10 trilocular pores; antefrontal cerarii not distinct, each with 4–10 loosely clustered setae, without sclerotization; marginal cerarii each with basal sclerotization; and cerarii without associated discoidal pores or oral-rim type tubular ducts. Anterior and posterior ostioles weakly developed. Multilocular disc-pores absent; trilocular pores of 1 size, larger than those on venter, numerous, scattered across body, more numerous on dorsum than on venter, present on lips of ostioles; discoidal pores few, scattered across body. Oral-collar tubular ducts of 1 size, scattered over body. Oral-rim type tubular ducts absent. Dorsal setae lanceolate, few, scattered across body, longest seta on abdomen 20–23 µm long, longest seta in abdominal cerarii 28–30 µm long. Anal ring dorsal, bearing 6 anal-ring setae with apices acute; posterior anal-ring setae each 125–164 µm long, 1.3–1.7 times as long as greatest diameter of anal ring. FIGURE 10. Puto spath Powell & Miller , sp. n. , second-instar male paratype, Guatemala at New Orleans , September 24, 1976, Davis et al. , on Spathiphyllum , #9154. A =coeloconic sensilla on third segment of antenna; B =coeloconic sensilla on apical segment of antenna; C, M =trilocular pores; D =long oral-collar tubular duct; E, J =discoidal pores; F, N =oral-collar tubular duct; G =11-locular pore; H =7-locular pore; I =dorsal seta; K =claw; L =anal-lobe cerarius. Venter with multilocular disc-pores scattered over thorax and head, and on segments II–IV, predominantly 7- locular but with some 11-locular. Trilocular pores of 1 size, smaller and fewer than those on dorsum, scattered across body; discoidal pores scattered across body. Oral-collar tubular ducts of 2 sizes, shorter ones scattered over entire body, longer oral-collar tubular ducts forming cluster (9–10) anterior to mouthparts. Long, hair-like setae sparse, forming rows across abdomen, longest on head, longest seta on abdomen 61–74 µm long, longest seta on segment V 44–67 µm long, longest seta on head 78–101 µm long. Circulus divided into 2 oval parts on segment III, each part 29–42 µm in diameter. Labium 185–194 µm long. One specimen with horizontal eight-shaped circulus (not fully divided) 86 µm long. Antennae each 7-segmented, total 600–656 µm long, apical segment 112–132 µm long, segment III 129–143 µm long; antennal intersegmental sensilla present between segments IV and V; coeloconic sensilla present on segments III and VII. Hind legs without translucent pores. Femora each 278–295 µm long; tibiae each 346–358 µm long, tibia/tarsus 2.1–2.3. Hind trochanters each with 2 campaniform sensilla on each surface. Tarsal digitules capitate, claw digitules capitate, longer than claw; claw denticle and basal spurs present. Diagnosis: The second-instar male of P . spath is similar to that of P. philo by having: (i) oral-collar tubular ducts scattered over both body surfaces; (ii) a circulus that is divided into two parts; (iii) ventral multilocular disc-pores present; and (iv) tarsal and claw digitules capitate. It differs from P . philo as follows (distinguishing character states of P . philo are given in parentheses): (i) claw denticle present (absent); and (ii) multilocular disc-pores abundant on head, thorax, and anterior abdominal segments (few multilocular disc-pores few, restricted to pro- and mesothorax). When compared with second-instar males collected 18 miles S.W. of Mt. Home, Idaho , April 6, 1958 on shadscale ( USNM ), determined as P . atriplicis , the second-instar males of P . spath are similar by having: (i) claw denticle present; (ii) multilocular disc-pores on venter of head, thorax, and anterior abdominal segments; (iii) ostioles present; and (iv) oral-collar tubular ducts present over both body surfaces. It differs from P . atriplicis as follows (distinguishing character states of P . atriplicis are given in parentheses): (i) circulus divided (circulus undivided); and (ii) tarsal and claw digitules capitate (digitules apically acute). First-instar nymph (sexes undetermined) ( Fig. 11 ) Description: Slide-mounted, 0.90–1.41 mm long, 0.58–0.89 mm wide; body elongate oval. Dorsum with 17 pairs of cerarii, some split, anal-lobe cerarii each with 2 lanceolate setae and 6–8 trilocular pores; cerarii without associated oral-rim type tubular ducts; frontal cerarii each with 3–5 setae and 4–6 trilocular pores; antefrontal cerarii not distinct, each with 3–5 loosely clustered setae, without sclerotization; marginal cerarii with basal sclerotization but level of sclerotization variable among specimens. Ostioles undetectable. Multilocular disc-pores absent; trilocular pores of 1 size, numerous, scattered across body, more numerous on dorsum than on venter; discoidal pores large, about same size as trilocular pores, present in basal sclerotization of some posterior cerarii. Oral-rim type tubular ducts and oral-collar tubular ducts absent. Dorsal setae lanceolate, few, in three pairs of longitudinal lines, longest seta on abdomen 18–20 µm long, longest seta in abdominal cerarii 26–28 µm long. Anal ring bent around abdominal apex, bearing 6 anal-ring setae with apices acute, posterior anal-ring setae each 108–128 µm long, 1.5–1.6 times as long as greatest diameter of anal ring. Venter with multilocular disc-pores present on thorax and head, predominantly each 9-locular. Trilocular pores of 1 size, scattered across body; discoidal pores marginal, large, about same size as trilocular pores, in clusters associated with marginal hair-like setae on abdomen, and in marginal clusters on head. Cluster (5–7) of long oral-collar tubular ducts present anterior to mouthparts. Long hair-like setae, longest on head, forming rows across abdomen, longest seta on abdomen 43–48 µm long, longest seta on segment V 39–44 µm long, longest seta on head 96–102 µm long. Single undivided circulus present on segment III, 26–32 µm in diameter. Labium 132–140 µm long. Antennae each 7-segmented, total 459–538 µm long, apical segment 109–156 µm long, segment III 91–98 µm long; antennal intersegmental sensilla present between segments IV and V; coeloconic sensilla present on segment VII. Hind legs without translucent pores. Femora each 199–208 µm long; tibiae each 237–256 µm long, tibia/tarsus 1.5. Hind trochanters each with 2 campaniform sensilla on each surface. Tarsal digitules capitate, claw digitules capitate, each longer than claw; claw denticle and basal spurs present. Diagnosis: The first-instar nymph of P . spath is most similar to that of P . philo by having: (i) a circulus; (ii) three pairs of longitudinal lines of lanceolate setae on the dorsum of the abdomen; (iii) multilocular disc-pores on the thorax; (iv) multilocular disc-pores absent from the abdomen; ventral discoidal pores in marginal clusters on abdomen and head; and (iv) a cluster of oral-collar tubular ducts anterior to the mouthparts. It differs from P . philo as follows (character states of P . philo are presented in parentheses): (i) multilocular disc-pores on the head (absent from the head); (ii) claw with a denticle (without a claw denticle); and (iii) discoidal pores in the posterior abdominal cerarii (without discoidal pores in the posterior cerarii). FIGURE 11. Puto spath Powell & Miller , sp. n. , first instar (sex undetermined) paratype, Guatemala at New Orleans , September 16, 1976, Stafford and Davis, on Spathiphyllum , #9134. A =long oral-collar tubular duct; B =11-locular pore; C =9-locular pore; D =dorsal seta; E =claw; F, J =discoidal pores; G =trilocular pore; H =cerarius; I =ventral seta with associated trilocular and discoidal pores. When compared with first-instar nymphs collected in Wrightwood, California , on Eriodictyon sp. , February 9, 1997 ( USNM ), determined as P . yuccae , the first-instar nymphs of P . spath are similar by having: (i) ventral multilocular disc-pores; (ii) three pairs of longitudinal lines of lanceolate setae on the dorsal abdomen; and (iii) discoidal pores in marginal areas of the venter. It differs from P . yuccae as follows (character states of P. yuccae are presented in parentheses): (i) a small circulus (circulus absent); (ii) no multilocular disc-pores on the abdomen (multilocular disc-pores present on the abdomen); and (iii) ostioles absent (present). When compared with first-instar nymphs collected from Weeks, Nevada , on Atriplex sp. , July 5, 1968 ( USNM ), determined as P . atriplicis , the first-instar nymphs of P . spath are similar in having: (i) ventral multilocular disc-pores; (ii) no multilocular disc-pores on the abdomen; (iii) three pairs of longitudinal lines of lanceolate setae on the abdomen; and (iv) a circulus. It differs from P . atriplicis as follows (character states of P . atriplicis are presented in parentheses): (i) capitate tarsal and claw digitules (digitules apically acute); and (ii) usually with more than one submarginal discoidal pore on each side of each abdominal segment (usually with one on each side of each abdominal segment).