Carulaspis silvestrii Lupo (Hemiptera, Coccomorpha, Diaspididae): redescription and neotype designation, with a key to Carulaspis MacGillivray species

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Nucifora S., Mazzeo G., KAYDAN M. B., Ricupero M., Russo A.

ZooKeys, vol.1228, pp.127-138, 2025 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 1228
  • Publication Date: 2025
  • Doi Number: 10.3897/zookeys.1228.138309
  • Journal Name: ZooKeys
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, BIOSIS, CAB Abstracts, Veterinary Science Database, Directory of Open Access Journals
  • Page Numbers: pp.127-138
  • Keywords: 28S ribosomal gene, armored scale insects, Cupressocyparis, identification key, Juniperus, molecular characterization, Sicily
  • Çukurova University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The insect genus Carulaspis MacGillivray, associated with Pinidae and Magnoliidae, in-cludes six species: C. juniperi, C. minima, C. visci, C. atlantica, C. taxicola and C. silvestrii. The first description of C. silvestrii lacks key morphological features that are of para-mount importance for species identification. Carulaspis silvestrii type specimens also remain undiscovered, suggesting a potential loss of taxon information. This study pro-vides a detailed redescription of C. silvestrii, including drawings, SEM images and neo-type designation for taxonomic stability. For the first time, molecular characterization of C. silvestrii was made using a partial 28S ribosomal gene. In addition, a morphological key for distinguishing species of Carulaspis is provided to aid the scientific community in taxonomic and identification endeavors.