Ovaticoccus exoticus Pellizzari and Kozar
Creators: name: Miller, Douglass R.
name: Stocks, Ian C.
Publisher: name: Zenodo
Year: 2022
Subjects: Biodiversity
Taxonomy
Animalia
Arthropoda
Insecta
Hemiptera
Eriococcidae
Ovaticoccus
Ovaticoccus exoticus

description: Ovaticoccus exoticus Pellizzari and Kozár
Ovaticoccus exoticus Pellizzari and Kozár 2011: 61–63.
Type material: We have not examined type material of this species but have a long series of specimens that agree well with the original description.
Specimens examined: UNITED STATES:Arizona: Maricopa Co.: Mesa, II-27-1975, on Yucca sp., D. Munson (2 ad. ♀♀ on 1 slide); Phoenix, Desert Botanical Garden, Agave greenhouse, X-24-2007, on A. americana, W. Iselin (13 ad. ♀♀ on 4 slides) CDFA; Mohave Co., Peach Springs,?-?-1921, on Agave sp., G.F. Ferris (1 ad. ♀ on 1 slide) UCD. California: Contra Costa Co.: Walnut Creek, III-6-2012, on A. americana, Somers (2 ad. ♀♀ on 1 slide) CDFA; Los Angeles Co.: Pacoima, VI-27-1941, on Agave sp. and A. utahensis, L.E. Meyers (12 ad. ♀♀ on 4 slides) UCD; Orange Co.: Anaheim, IX-27-1930, on “century plant” (= A. americana?) collector? (2 ad. ♀♀ on 1 slide) UCD; Orange Co.: Newport Beach, V-24-2012, on Agave sp., J. Rivas (8 ad. ♀♀ on 3 slides) CDFA; Riverside Co., Corona, XII-3-1956, on Yucca sp., H.L. McKenzie (3 ad. ♀♀ on 1 slide) UCD; San Bernardino Co., Calico, on Agave utahensis var. nevadensis, R. Camblin (4 ad. ♀♀ on 2 slides) UCD; Ivanpah Mountains, from herbarium specimen,?-?-1942, on Agave nevadensis, collector? (3 ad. ♀♀, 1 second-instar ♀, 2 first-instar nymphs on 2 slides) UCD; San Bernardino Co.: Joshua Tree, XI-8-1961, on Yucca sp., L. Dolch and R. Scheider (2 ad. ♀♀ on 1 slide) CDFA; San Diego Co., El Cajon, IX-10-1957, on Agave sp., F. Yaruss (1 ad. ♀ on 1 slide) UCD; Santa Barbara Co., Santa Barbara, III-11-1931, on “cactus?’ F.C. Greer (1 ad. ♀ on 1 slide). Texas: El Paso Co.: El Paso, Mt. Franklin, VII-?-1921, on A. lechuguilla, (8 ad. ♀♀ on 6 slides) UCD. Utah, Washington Co., St. George,?-?- 1924, on Yucca sp., V.M. Tanner (3 ad. ♀♀ on 2 slides) UCD. MEXICO: State?: Intercepted at Douglas, Arizona, I-2-1958, on A. schottii, R.H. Russell (4 ad. ♀♀ on 1 slide) USNM; Intercepted at San Francisco, California, V-31- 1939, on Agave sp, C.H. Oatridge (10 ad. ♀♀, 1 second-instar ♀, on 4 slides) USNM; Intercepted at San Ysidro, California, XII-2-1960, on A. shawii, E.D. Algert (6 ad. ♀♀, 5 second-instar ♀♀ on 2 slides) USNM; Intercepted at Brownsville, Texas, III-25-1957, on Agave sp., Allen (4 ad. ♀♀ on 1 slide) USNM; Intercepted at Brownsville, Texas, V-20-1990, on A. americana, D. Riley (1 ad. ♀, 2 second-instar ♀♀, 2 first-instar nymphs on 1 slide) USNM; Intercepted at El Paso, Texas, VII-14-1989, on A. americana, J. Alaniz (3 ad. ♀♀, 1 second-instar ♁, 1 ad. ♁ on 4 slides) USNM; Intercepted at Laredo, Texas, III-12-1952, on “cactus”, Averill (3 ad. ♀♀ on 1 slide) USNM; Intercepted at Laredo, Texas, III-16-1952, on “cactus”, Johnston (5 ad. ♀♀ on 2 slides) USNM. State of Baja del Sur, Magdalena, intercepted at Nogales, Arizona, IV-28-1948, on Yucca sp., Johnson and Callahan (5 ad. ♀♀ on 1 slide) USNM; State of Jalisco, Cuatitlan, V-11-1958, on “maguey tequilero”, (= A. tequilana?) R. MacGregor (2 ad. ♀♀ on 1 slide) USNM; Tequila, IV-7-1953, on “maguey tequilero”, (= A. tequilana?) G. Halfter (2 ad. ♀♀ on 1 slide) USNM. State of Mexico: San Juan Teotihuaca, IV-28-1954, on Agave sp., I.B. de Barrera (1 ad. ♀ on 1 slide) USNM. State of Puebla: road between Apizaco and Zacatepec, V-24-1954, on Yucca sp., R. MacGregor (2 ad. ♀♀ on 1 slide) USNM; Zacatepec, V-24-1954, on Yucca sp., R. MacGregor (1 ad. ♀ on 1 slide) USNM. State of Tamaulipas: Ciudad Victoria, intercepted at Washington, D.C., II-25-1922, on A. funkiana, W.T. Owrey (1 ad. ♀ on 1 slide) USNM. State of Zacatecas: Zacatecas, VII-18-1976, on Agave sp., L. Holguia, J. Vigil (1 ad. ♀ on 1 slide) USNM.
Etymology: “The species name [exoticus] is based on the Latin adjective exoticus meaning ‘foreign, alien’, because this species, even though collected in Sicily (Italy), surely does not belong to [the] European fauna”. (Pellizzari & Kozár 2011: 61).
Field features: Occurring at base of host leaves.
Adult female (Fig. 62)
Description: Slide-mounted specimens 1.0– 3.8 mm long, 0.5–2.4 mm wide. Body elongate oval to nearly rotund, without protruding anal lobes. Anal-lobe areas dorsally each with 2 or 3 flagellate setae, 0 or 1 microtubular ducts, and 3–5 5-locular pores; ventrally each with 3–5 flagellate setae including suranal seta and anal-lobe seta, and 4–8 5-locular pores.
Dorsum with flagellate setae scattered over entire surface, noticeably shorter than those on venter, becoming progressively shorter anteriorly, straight. Enlarged setae arranged in 3 pairs of longitudinal lines (medial, mediolateral and lateral), from head to segment VII or VIII, least numerous in medial areas of thorax, decreasing in size anteriorly, of 1 size; largest seta 10–12 μm long. Enlarged setae conical, with straight sides, with truncate apices, moderately thick setal rings; not recessed in dermal pockets; segment IV with 18–23 setae (including 4–6 enlarged setae and 12– 17 flagellate setae); segment IV with combined total of 5 or 6 enlarged setae dorsally and ventrally. Macrotubular ducts absent. Microtubular ducts 4–6 μm long, area farthest from dermal orifice sclerotized and divided into 2 parts, apical portion rounded, ½ length of remaining sclerotized portion; total sclerotized area same length as, or larger than, unsclerotized area; dermal orifice slightly sclerotized, with single protruding duct. Microtubular ducts scattered over entire surface, least abundant on head. Multilocular pores of 2 kinds: 5-locular pores most abundant, 3-locular pores in small numbers; pores scattered over entire surface, most abundant along body margin. Cruciform pores and microtrichia absent.
Anal ring ventral, circular, divided posteriorly and anteriorly or weakly connected posteriorly, without cells, with 3 setae on each side of ring, each same length as, or shorter than, greatest diameter of ring; in addition, with 1 pair of setae associated with, but not on, ring; anal tube weakly sclerotized, opening of anal tube sclerotized, without anal flap.
Venter with longest seta on segment II 25–38 μm long, on segment VII 30–45 μm long, anal-lobe seta 118–145 μm long. Enlarged setae absent. Macrotubular ducts absent. Microtubular ducts in reduced numbers near lateral clusters of cruciform pores. Multilocular pores along body margin, in medial areas on posterior 4 or 5 abdominal segments and near mouthparts, of 2 or 3 kinds: 7-locular pores sometimes absent, 3-locular pores rare, 5-locular pores abundant. Cruciform pores in lateral clusters along each margin of segments III–VII, also in small numbers in medial areas of head, thorax, and anterior abdominal segments. Legs with hind coxae each dorsally with 3–21 pores, ventrally with 4–11 pores; each femur with 4 setae, 1 proximally and 3 distally; each tibia with 4 setae, without middle seta; hind tibia/tarsus 0.8–0.9. Antennae each 7-segmented, 200–220 μm long. Frontal lobes absent. Preantennal pore present. Microtrichia absent except on hind 2 pairs of coxae.
Notes: The description is based on 47 specimens from 10 localities. The adult female of Ovaticoccus exoticus is most similar to the adult female Ov. agavium (for a comparison, see the “Notes” section of that species above). This species was treated as part of Ov. agavium by Miller and McKenzie (1967) and Ferris (1955) but the work of Pellizzari and Kozár (2011) makes it clear that it is a distinct species.
Second-instar female (Figs 63 and 64)
Description: Slide-mounted specimens each 0.9–1.0 mm long, 0.4–0.5 mm wide. Body elongate oval, without protruding anal lobes. Anal-lobe area dorsally each with 2 flagellate setae and 0 or 1 5-locular pores; ventrally each with 3–4 flagellate setae including suranal seta and elongate anal-lobe seta and 0 or 1 5-locular pores.
Dorsum with 2 longitudinal lines of flagellate setae on abdomen (mediolateral and sublateral), more abundant on thorax and head. Enlarged setae of 1 size: in 3 pairs of longitudinal lines (medial, mediolateral and lateral); largest seta about 5 μm long; enlarged setae pear-shaped or conical, with straight or slightly curved lateral margins, apically rounded or truncate; setal base thin; segment IV with 10–12 setae including 6 enlarged setae and 4–6 flagellate setae; segment IV with combined total of 6 enlarged setae dorsally and ventrally. Macrotubular ducts absent. Microtubular ducts variable, often on posterior abdominal segments mediolaterally and/or laterally. Multilocular pores variable in number and distribution (Figs 63 and 64), of 1 or 2 kinds: 5-locular pores most numerous, scattered over entire surface, rarely with more pores on head; 3-locular pores less common. Cruciform pores absent. Microtrichia from segment IV to VIII.
Anal ring ventral, semicircular, incomplete, non-cellular, with 3 setae on each side of ring, each normally shorter than diameter of ring; additional pair of setae often associated with, but not attached to, ring; anal tube unsclerotized, dermal orifice sclerotized; without anal flap.
Venter with setae flagellate, longest seta on segment II about 15 μm long, on segment VII about 21 μm long; anal-lobe seta approximately 80 μm long. Enlarged setae absent. Macrotubular ducts and microtubular ducts absent. Multilocular pores of 2 kinds: 5-locular pores most abundant, present over entire surface, least abundant on head; 3-locular pores rare, normally on thorax and head. Cruciform pores in clusters of 1–4 pores on lateral margins of segments IV to VII or VIII, also in medial areas from segment III to VII. Legs with 1 or 2 indefinite translucent pores on hind coxa; each femur with 4 setae, with 1 proximal seta; each tibia with 4 setae, without middle seta; hind tibia/tarsus 0.8. Antennae each 6-segmented, about 140 μm long. Frontal lobes absent. Preantennal pore present. Microtrichia on prothorax to segment VIII and on ventral surface of hind 2 pairs of coxae.
Notes: The description is based on nine specimens from four localities. The second-instar female of Ov. exoticus is most similar to the second-instar of Ov. agavium (for a comparison, see the “Notes” section of that species above).
Second-instar male (Fig. 65)
Description: Slide-mounted specimen 1.4 mm long, 0.6 mm wide. Body elongate, without protruding anal lobes. Anal-lobe area dorsally each with 2 flagellate setae, 1 multilocular pore, 1 or 2 macrotubular ducts; ventrally each with 3–4 flagellate setae including suranal seta and elongate anal-lobe seta, 1 multilocular pore, 1–3 cruciform pores, 1 or 2 macrotubular ducts.
Dorsum with flagellate setae on 1 specimen arranged in 3 pairs of longitudinal lines (medial, mediolateral and lateral), medial lines on each segment comprise 1 seta on each side of body, mediolateral lines comprise 2 setae on each side of body, and lateral lines comprise 1 or 2 setae on each side of body. Enlarged setae absent. Second specimen with posterior flagellate setae often replaced by enlarged setae or transitional setae; some abdominal segments with medial, mediolateral and lateral flagellate setae as above, other segments with enlarged setae in broken longitudinal lines in medial, mediolateral, and lateral areas, some setae partially enlarged appearing as transitional between flagellate setae and enlarged setae; enlarged setae most abundant on posterior abdomen. Largest enlarged seta about 7 μm long; enlarged setae conical, with straight lateral margin, with rounded apex; setal base thin; not in dermal pockets; with 10 setae on segment IV, all flagellate; segment IV with combined total of 0–6 enlarged setae dorsally and ventrally. Macrotubular ducts over entire surface, about 11–15 μm long. Microtubular ducts 7–8 μm long, with area farthest from dermal orifice sclerotized and divided into 2 parts, apical portion slightly smaller than remaining sclerotized portion; dermal orifice unsclerotized; rare or absent. Multilocular and cruciform pores absent. Without microtrichia.
Anal ring ventral, circular, incomplete posteriorly and anteriorly, with 2 lateral sclerotized plates, non-cellular, with 3 setae on each side of ring, each same length as, or shorter than, greatest diameter of ring; with additional pair of setae associated with ring; anal tube unsclerotized, anal opening weakly sclerotized, without anal flap.
Venter with longest flagellate seta on segment II 27 μm long, on segment VII 27 μm long; longest anal-lobe seta 70 μm long. Enlarged setae absent. Macrotubular ducts about same size as those on dorsum, scattered over head and thorax, in medial, mediolateral and lateral longitudinal lines on abdomen. Microtubular ducts rare or absent. Multilocular pores scattered over entire surface, least abundant posteriorly, of 3 or 4 kinds: 7-locular pores and 3-locular pores uncommon; 5-locular pores most abundant. Cruciform pores in clusters medially and laterally on abdomen. Legs without pores; each femur with 4 setae, including 1 proximally and 3 distally; each tibia with 4 setae, without middle seta; hind tibia/tarsus 0.8. Antennae each 7-segmented, about 180 μm long. Frontal lobes absent. Preantennal pore present. Microtrichia from mesothorax to segment VIII, also on hind 2 pairs of coxae.
Notes: The description is based on two specimens from one locality. The second-instar male of Ov. exoticus is most similar to the second-instar male of Ov. agavium (for a comparison, see the “Notes” section of that species above).
First-instar nymph (Fig. 66)
Description: Slide-mounted specimens 0.5–0.6 mm long, 0.2–0.4 mm wide. Body elongate, without protruding anal lobes. Anal-lobe areas each dorsally with 2 flagellate setae; each ventrally with 3–4 flagellate setae including suranal seta and anal-lobe seta.
Dorsum without flagellate setae. Enlarged setae of 1 size in 3 pairs of longitudinal lines (medial, mediolateral and lateral), in transverse rows from head to segment VII; largest seta 7–9 μm long; enlarged setae pear-shaped with truncate apex; setal base thin; segment IV with 6 enlarged setae, without flagellate setae; segment IV with combined total of 6–8 enlarged setae on dorsum and venter. Macrotubular ducts, microtubular ducts, multilocular pores, and cruciform pores absent. Microtrichia absent.
Anal ring ventral, semicircular, incomplete, divided anteriorly and posteriorly, non-cellular, with 3 setae on each side of ring, each normally shorter than diameter of ring; additional pair of setae often associated with, but not attached to, ring; anal tube with dermal orifice sclerotized; anal orifice unsclerotized; without anal flap.
Venter with flagellate setae, longest seta on segment II approximately 12–18 μm long, on segment VII 15–17 μm long; longest anal-lobe seta approximately 75–90 μm long. Enlarged setae absent. Macrotubular ducts and microtubular ducts absent. Multilocular pores fairly consistent; head normally with 5-locular pores, rarely 3-locular pores; spiracles each with 7-locular pores; mesothoracic and metathoracic legs each with 3-, 4- or 5-locular pores; any or all of segments III, IV and V each with 3-locular or 5-locular pores. Cruciform pores in sublateral areas of segments V to VIII. Legs without pores; each femur with 4 setae, with 1 proximal seta; each tibia with 4 setae, without middle seta; hind tibia/tarsus 0.7–0.8. Antenna 6-segmented, 118–128 μm long. Frontal lobes absent. Preantennal pore present. Microtrichia on metathorax to segment VIII, not visible on legs.
Notes: The description is based on four specimens from two localities including one embryo and one nearly useless specimen. The first-instar nymph of Ov. exoticus is most similar to the first-instar nymph of Ov. agavium in having the dorsomedial longitudinal line of enlarged setae present at least on the abdomen, with similarly shaped anal rings, and usually with ventrolateral cruciform pores on the abdomen. They differ as follows (characters in brackets are those of Ov. exoticus): each femur with three setae, without a proximal seta (with four setae, including a proximal seta).
description: Published as part of Miller, Douglass R. & Stocks, Ian C., 2022, New genera and species of felt scales (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Eriococcidae), with descriptions of new species and immature instars of described species, pp. 1-213 in Zootaxa 5221 (1) on pages 120-128, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5221.1.1, http://zenodo.org/record/7441371