G. it. Ent., 7 (38): 157-164
December 31, 1994
Scanning electron microscope observations on the mealybug,
Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green), a major pest of mulberry
(Homoptera: Pseudococcidae)
by
S. K. TEWARI, VINEET KUMAR, R. K. DATTA
Abstract - The mealybug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green) is a major pest of mulberry, causing a disease commonly known as Tukra in most of the silk producing areas in India. The sexual dimorphism is well pronounced: the apterous, neotenic female completes her life cycle in three nymphal instars, whereas the winged adult male develops after four nymphal instars. During her whole life, the female feeds, whereas the male stops feeding after the second nymphal instar, the third moulting into pupa. Important morphological structures, viz. the trilocular and multilocular pores, tubular ducts, ostioles, and the female genitalia in the different stages have been studied under the scanning electron microscope. Further, it has been also observed that the mealy or wax secreted by the numerous pores and ducts along the ovipositional opening play an important role in forming a waxy sac around the laid eggs.
