Putoidae

Definition

A family of scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) comprising the giant mealybugs or putoids, characterized by their large size relative to other mealybugs and distinct morphological features that warranted separation from the Pseudococcidae. The family contains the genus Puto (formerly Macrocerococcus), whose species differ significantly from typical mealybugs in body structure, wax secretion patterns, and other traits.

Etymology

From the type genus Puto (Latin putus, 'clear, pure') + -idae (family suffix)

Example

Puto yuccae, the yucca mealybug, is a putoid that feeds on yucca plants in western North America and was reclassified from Pseudococcidae to Putoidae based on its distinctive abdominal spiracles and cerarii structure.

Synonyms

• giant mealybugs (common name)
• putoids (common name)

Related Terms

• Coccoidea
• Pseudococcidae
• mealybug
• scale insect
• Puto
• cerarius
• Spiracle

Usage Notes

Formerly treated as a subfamily or tribe within Pseudococcidae; elevated to family rank based on phylogenetic and morphological evidence. The separation is supported by differences in tracheal system structure, antennal segmentation, and life history traits. Not all authors immediately adopted this reclassification, so older literature may still place Puto within Pseudococcidae.