Margarodes
Guilding, 1828
Cyst-forming Coccids, Ground Pearls
is a of scale insects in the Margarodidae, commonly known as "ground pearls" for the waxy, pearl-like cysts formed by stages in soil. The genus was erected in 1828 by Lansdown Guilding based on specimens found in soil on the Bahamas associated with ants. Members of this genus are subterranean for much of their , feeding on plant roots. The type is Margarodes formicarum.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Margarodes: //ˌmɑrɡəˈroʊdiːz//
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Habitat
Soil and root zones of plants; stages (ground pearls) occur in soil
Distribution
Known from the Bahamas (type locality); other have been recorded from additional regions but specific distribution data for the as a whole is limited
Host Associations
- Vitis (grapevines) - root-feeding vitium specifically feeds on grapevine roots
Life Cycle
stages form waxy, pearl-like cysts ('ground pearls') in soil; these cysts enclose the developing insect. females are and found on plant roots. Males are winged and mobile. Specific developmental timing varies by .
Behavior
stages remain encysted in soil for extended periods. Association with ants has been observed in the type .
Human Relevance
Some are agricultural pests of root crops. vitium has been documented as a pest of grapevines. Heavy may weaken plants.
Similar Taxa
- PorphyrophoraFormerly included now placed in Porphyrophora (e.g., hameli, M. polonicus); distinguished by taxonomic revision
- MatsucoccusBoth are scale insects with subterranean stages and ground pearl ; Matsucoccus was historically placed in Margarodidae but is now in separate Matsucoccidae
- DimargarodesFormer (M. meridionalis) reclassified to this