Valid Names Results

Odonaspis serrata Ben-Dov, 1988 (Diaspididae: Odonaspis)

Nomenclatural History

• Odonaspis serrata Ben-Dov 1988b: 61. Type data: SRI LANKA: Punduloya, on Arundinaria sp.; collected March, 1897.. Holotype, female, Type depository: Washington: United States National Entomological Collection, U.S. National Museum of Natural History, District of Columbia, USA; accepted valid name Illustr.

Common Names

Ecological Associates

Hosts:

Families: 1 | Genera: 3

Geographic Distribution

Keys

• ChenJiXi2024: pp.297-299 ( Adult (F) ) [species of Odonaspis]
• BenDov1988b: pp.33 ( Adult (F) ) [World]

Remarks

• Systematics: O. serrata is most similar to O. greenii but can be differentiated from the latter based on the following character states (O. greenii in parentheses): an additional cluster of pores medial to the anterior spiracles (additional cluster absent), the anal opening and vulva placed less than three times the width of the anal opening apart (typically more than three times the width of the anal opening), the circular shape of the anal opening (anal opening oblong oval) and three marginal scleroses on the pygidium (two). (Powell, et al., 2026)
• Structure: Odonaspis serrata is a large armored scale insect with the adult female reaching up to 2 mm in size. The scale cover, or test, is circular and conspicuously bright white with brown exuviae (these are incorporated into the cover from the first and second immature instars). While many armored scales have a dorsal cover that can be easily lifted to uncover the detached scale body, Odonaspidini produce a scale cover with well-developed dorsal and ventral wax tightly enveloping the body. The adult female body of O. serrata is turbinate and creamy white in color with the posterior pygidial (abdominal) segments darkening to a reddish-brown. (Powell, et al., 2026) Only slide-mounted females were available for the description by Ben-Dov (1988b).
• Biology: This species feeds on the stems of the host, most abundant around the nodes and underneath the leaf sheaths. Immatures and adults will pile atop one another in crowded, heavy infestations, using their long stylets (mouthparts) to reach the plant tissue. (Powell, et al. 2026)
• General Remarks: Description and illustration of adult female by Ben-Dov (1988b).

Illustrations

Citations