The taxonomy of species in the genus Cerococcus has been unstable
and adequate keys and descriptions have not been available for identification.
This detailed study of the first instars is one step in the
revision of the genus and reevaluation of the taxa which have been referred
to the genus.
The first instars of 31 species of Cerococcus are included in this
study. Each species studied is fully described, including measurements
of morphological characters, and illustrated.
Cerococcus first instars were found to have well developed legs;
well developed mouthparts with a 3-segmented labium; 6-segmented antennae;
2 pairs of spiracles with associated quinquelocular pores; acornshaped
spiracular setae or regular setae-shaped spiracular setae; well
developed anal lobes which are armed with spines on the inner margin and
terminated by long apical setae; large conspicuous dorsal B-shaped pores
in longitudinal rows; dorsal trapezoid-shaped anal plate; and 6 setae on
the anal ring.
The classification of Cerococcus first instars generally agreed
with the classification of the adult females, and keys are provided for
separation of the first instars studied.
Species of the genus Cerococcus were found to be morphologically
distinct from the species in the genera Asterococcus and Solenophora.
It appears that the genus Cerococcus is only distantly related to the
genera in the families Asterolecaniidae, Eriococcidae, and Lecanodiaspidiae.
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