A REVIEW OF THE ERIOCHITON SPINOSUS (MASKELL) SPECIES-COMPLEX (ERIOCOCCIDAE, COCCOIDEA), INCLUDING A PHYLOGENETIC ANALYSIS OF ITS RELATIONSHIPS

This paper revises a species-complex in the eriococcid genus Eriochito n. In addition to E. spinosus (Maskell), about whose status there is s till some uncertainty, the complex contains E. armatus Brittin and fiv e new species, E. brittini, E. deboerae, E. dracophylli, E. dugdalei a nd E. pseudohispidus. Descriptions, illustrations and diagnostic keys are provided for most scale-like stages of-all seven species. The prep upa, pupa and adult male of Eriochiton are described for the first tim e; the structure of the latter confirms the placement of Eriochiton in the Eriococcidae. A phylogenetic study of the Eriochitonini concludes that it is monophyletic and suggests some evolutionary trends within the tribe. Neoeriochiton clareae is considered the most primitive know n taxon in the Eriochitonini and its placement in a separate genus is discussed. Also discussed are the importance of the immature stages in scale insect taxonomy and the narrow host range of most species in th is tribe.