Aclerda
Signoret, 1874
flat grass scales
Aclerda is a of scale insects ( Aclerdidae) commonly known as flat grass scales. in this genus are legless as , with strongly reduced 1-segmented and a unique anal apparatus. They inhabit leaf of grasses in hot, dry regions. The genus includes both sexually and parthenogenetically reproducing species, with unusual cytogenetic systems including heterochromatinization of one haploid set in males of some species.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Aclerda: /əˈklɜːrdə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
are legless with strongly reduced 1-segmented . The anal apparatus is unique to the . Invaginated setae are present. These features distinguish Aclerda from other insect genera.
Habitat
Hot and dry environments, often semi-desert regions. Found in leaf of grasses (Poaceae). Specific collection sites include dry primary forest interrupted by agricultural crops, sandy burrows, and chaotic agricultural plantations after recent deforestation.
Distribution
Widespread in tropical and subtropical zones. Documented from Africa (Egypt, Mauritius, Reunion), Asia (Bangladesh, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Taiwan), North America (Haiti, USA-Florida), Oceania (Guam, Indonesia/New Guinea), and South America (Brazil, Colombia).
Diet
Feeds on grasses (Poaceae); specifically documented from sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum, Saccharum sp.) and undetermined grass .
Host Associations
- Poaceae - undetermined grass
- Saccharum officinarum - sugarcane
- Saccharum sp. - sugarcane
Life Cycle
; all stages of embryonic development occur inside the mother's body. Some exhibit male stages (male larvae, nymphs, ultimonymphs with sperm bundles); others lack male stages entirely.
Ecological Role
Documented for in the Encyrtidae ( Comones).
Human Relevance
Aclerda takahashii is a documented pest of sugarcane in Florida and other regions.
Similar Taxa
- NipponaclerdaAlso in Aclerdidae; distinguished by morphological features detailed in taxonomic keys
- Other Aclerdidae generaAclerda distinguished by legless , reduced 1-segmented , and unique anal apparatus
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- GBIF taxonomy match
- iNaturalist taxon
- NCBI Taxonomy
- Catalogue of Life
- Aclerda takahashii . [Distribution map].
- Aclerda takahashii Kuwana. [Distribution map].
- A contribution to the taxonomy, cytogenetics and reproductive biology of the genus Aclerda Signoret (Homoptera, Coccinea, Aclerdidae)
- A New Species of Comones Noyes and Woolley (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), A Parasitoid of Flat Grass Scale, Aclerda takahashii Kuwana (Hemiptera: Aclerdidae), A New Pest on Sugarcane in Florida
- A key to the flat grass scale genus Nipponaclerda (Hemiptera, Coccomorpha, Aclerdidae).