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 Author Ben-Dov, Yair text Zootaxa 2010 2368 49 58 journal article 10.5281/zenodo.193683 7a1dc2d9-d083-4886-b4c2-79cb9303c15b 1175-5326 193683 Melissoaspis reticulata Ben-Dov n. sp. ( Fig. 2 ) 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. Etymology . The species epithet refers to the reticulated pattern on the pygidial dorsum of the adult female. 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 35m 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 35m , 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 75m 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 150m , 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 .