The Armored Scale Insects of Alabama (Hemiptera: Diaspididae)

Abstract

This thesis presents the most complete and up-to-date survey available for the armored scale insects of Alabama. Prior to this survey, the most current survey list available was completed in 1994 and included records of 76 species. This list was a result of collecting by Dr. Michael Williams and his former students since 1973. The current survey that I have completed includes 31 species not previously recorded in Alabama, bringing the total to 107 recorded armored scales. Specimens were collected from around the state and incorporated into the Auburn University Coccoidea Collection. Information presented for each species known from Alabama includes: biology, distribution across Alabama, a listing of host plant species, a photograph of it (before slide mounting), and a short description of morphological characters of the scale cover, for aid in simplification of field identification. The records from my survey and all information pertaining to them are presented in this thesis.