Description of the immature stages of Ceroplastes japonicus Green (Homoptera Coccoidea)

Abstract

The three immature female stages, previously undescribed, of Ceroplastes japonicus Green, are described and illustrated. The main morphological characters useful to identificate the adult female are also provided together with an identification key of the four females stages. The morphological characters useful for separating the stages are discussed. Besides, a comparison with the morphology of the immature stages of Ceroplastes floridensis Comstock is reported.