FAMILY PLACEMENT OF SPECIES PREVIOUSLY INCLUDED IN THE SCALE INSECT GENUS SPHAEROCOCCUS MASKELL (HEMIPTERA, COCCOIDEA)

The genus Sphaerococcus Maskell has been the ''dumping ground'' for ma ny rotund scale insects that did not seem to fit elsewhere. Although t he genus is a member of the Pseudococcidae as defined by its type spec ies, the family placement of many species is questionable or unknown. The purpose of this pager is to provide evidence for the correct famil y placement of each species described in Sphaerococcus. Twelve taxa ar e assigned to families in which they have never been placed previously and there are five new combinations and one new synonymy.