Trabutina serpentina (Green)

(Fig. 50)

Naiacoccus serpentinus Green, 1919: 117. Naiacoccus serpentinus minor Green, 1919: 118.

DIAGNOSIS. Antennae usually 6 segmented. Legs well developed, each with a swollen hind coxa and tibia, each with translucent pores. Setae surrounding anal ring numbering 17−30. Other body setae conical to lanceolate at posterior end of body, becoming increasingly short anteriorly. Multilocular disc pores present on dorsum, across many abdominal segments, and sometimes on metathorax, most abundant laterally; present also on venter in bands across most abdominal segments. Trilocular pores present on dorsum and venter. Oral collar ducts of 2 main sizes: a small duct on dorsum, mainly in medial areas of abdomen, ducts increasing in size laterally to a larger type on margins; on venter, larger type present mostly on abdomen, and in clusters on thorax; most ducts either similar in width to a trilocular pore or narrower. Lobular swellings apparent sometimes near vulva.

DISTRIBUTION. Oriental, Palaearctic: Afghanistan, Armenia, China, Egypt, Iran, Israel, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. In Iran, T. serpentina occurs in Azarbaijan -e Gharbi, Azarbaijan -e Shargi, Bushehr, Gilan, Khouzestan, Sistan & Balouchestan, and Zanjan. Only known on Tamaricaceae (Ben-Dov et al., 2012).

MATERIAL EXAMINED. Azarbaijan -e Gharbi: Miandoab, Zarineh River, 2 adult Ƥ, 29.viii. 2007, 1324 m.; Orumieh, Marmisho, 4 adult Ƥ, 11.xi. 2007, 1576 m. Azarbaijan -e Shargi: Aras River, 7 adult Ƥ, 9.iv. 2007, 514 m.; Azar Shahr, 2 adult Ƥ, 27.viii. 2007, 1395 m. Bushehr: Borazjan, Samalo, 1 adult Ƥ, 9.x.2001; Bushehr, Mond River, 4 adult Ƥ, 17.x.2001. Gilan: Roodbar, 1 adult Ƥ, 1.vii. 2003, 188 m. Kerman: Jiroft, Esfandagheh, 6 adult Ƥ, 29.iv.2012. Khouzestan: Behbahan, 2 adult Ƥ, 2.ix.2003; Shadegan, Jefal, 4 adult Ƥ, 10.v.2002; Shoushtar, Janatmakan, 1 adult Ƥ, 27.ix.2005. Sistan & Balouchestan: Bampur, 2 adult Ƥ; Chabahar, Pishin Dam, 2 adult Ƥ, 19.xii. 2006, 165 m.; Mirjaveh, Ladiz, 4 adult Ƥ, 1.xi. 2004, 1043 m.; Zabol, Adimi, Khemmar, 2 adult Ƥ, 27.x. 2004, 500 m.; Zabol, Jazinak Park, 5 adult Ƥ, 22.iv. 2005, 497 m.; Zabol, Zahak, Amir Nezam, 6 adult Ƥ, 24.iv. 2005, 499 m.; Zabol, Tasouki, 5 adult Ƥ, 5.i.1950. Zanjan: Tarom, 4 adult Ƥ, 1.vii. 2003, 322 m. All occur on Tamarix sp. (Tamaricaceae).

COMMENTS. The adult female produces a long, cottony, tubular ovisac on the shoots and small branches of its host. T. serpentina is confined to Tamarix spp., sometimes causing yellowing of the young shoots and premature leaf drop. This mealybug has the potential for biological control of Tamarix wherever the plants have gained weed status.

The accompanying illustration has been prepared from material kindly made available by Danzig & Miller (1996) and the President, Israel Journal of Entomology.