The armored scale insects of Venezuela (Homoptera: Coccoidea: Diaspididae)

Scale insects are among the most serious plant pests throughout the world. The Diaspididae is the largest scale insect family and probably the most important economically. No comprehensive taxonomic study dealing with the scale insects of Venezuela has been conducted in the past. Forty-nine species are described and illustrated in this study, of which 2 are new species. Twenty-seven additional species are recorded from Venezuela for the first time. Keys are provided for determination of the 49 species. The material studied was borrowed from several institutions. Mounting techniques are given. The description of each species is based on females, since males and nymphs were available only in a few species. While this is essentially a taxonomic and faunistic study, the hosts on which the scale insects were found are listed. It is hoped that this study would be used as basis for future research in Venezuela. More collections need to be made throughout the many ecologically different areas of the country; especially from non-cultivated plants. The accumulation of additional distributional and biological records, and will lead to a better understanding of the Venezuelan armored scale insect fauna.