Coccus pseudomagnoliarum

Definition

A species of soft scale insect in the family Coccidae (Hemiptera), described by Kuwana in 1914. Like other members of the genus Coccus, this species is a sessile, sap-feeding hemipteran that secretes a protective waxy covering and typically infests woody plants. Species in this genus are economically significant pests of fruit crops, ornamentals, and forest trees, with C. pseudomagnoliarum specifically associated with magnolia hosts as suggested by its epithet.

Etymology

From Latin coccus (berry, grain, or kermes insect) + pseudomagnoliarum (false/pseudo- + of magnolias), referring to its original or presumed association with Magnolia species.

Example

Coccus pseudomagnoliarum, like the closely related magnolia scale Coccus magnoliarum, feeds on phloem sap of magnolia trees and excretes honeydew that promotes sooty mold growth; accurate identification requires examination of adult female morphology and host association.

Related Terms

• Coccidae
• Coccus
• soft scale
• Hemiptera
• Sternorrhyncha
• Coccus magnoliarum
• scale insect
• honeydew
• Sooty mold

Usage Notes

Distinguished from the true magnolia scale Coccus magnoliarum by subtle morphological differences in adult females; both species may co-occur on Magnolia hosts. Identification to species level typically requires slide-mounted specimens and specialist keys. The epithet 'pseudomagnoliarum' (false magnolia) suggests historical taxonomic confusion with C. magnoliarum.