The new species described below are placed in Ripersiella based on the following diagnosis, which is a condensed version of the comprehensive descriptions provided by Kozár and Konczné Benedicty (2007) and Szita et al. (2020). For further details on the genus and a broader treatment of species, refer to these references.

Tritubular cerores (also referred to as tritubular pores or ducts) absent; bitubular cerores (bitubular pores/ducts) typically present, absent in some species; anal ring with or without elongate cells, lacking protuberances, and situated dorsally; body setae all flagellate, anal lobes usually poorly developed, bearing a set of 3 distinct long setae or with several short setae; trilocular pores present but never arranged in tight clusters on the venter; body oval to spherical and membranous; antennae geniculate with 5 or 6 segments.

In Kozár and Konczné Benedicty (2007) and Szita et al. (2020), species that lack bitubular cerores but are otherwise morphologically similar to the generic type species, R. rumicis (Maskell), have been tentatively placed in Ripersiella. We maintain the established precedent here. However, it is important to note that Choi and Lee (2022), in their phylogenetic analysis of mealybug clades, failed to recover a monophyletic Ripersiella, and our own preliminary phylogenomic analyses (unpublished data) show similar results. It is therefore likely that some or all of the new species described here will eventually require a change of combination corresponding with a revision of Rhizoecidae that is informed through both their morphology and molecular phylogenetic analysis.

Lectotype. Colombia • 1 adult ♀; Bogota; 22.ii.1935; L.M. Murillo; on roots of Coffea arabica L.; USNM. Paralectotypes. Colombia • 2 adult ♀♀; same slide as lectotype; USNM • 3 adult ♀♀; same data as lectotype; USNM. Other material. Colombia • 4 adult ♀♀; locality (?); 1955; D. Rios Castana; on coffee; USNM • 3 adult ♀♀; locality (?); iv.1956; S.G. Flanders; on coffee; USNM • 22 adult ♀♀; Chinchina Cald.; 18.xii.1975; R. Cardenas; USNM.

Figure 1. 

Ripersiella andensis (Hambleton). Adult female, full body view, re-illustrated by SAS from Williams and Granara de Willink (1992) and Kozár and Konczné Benedicty (2007).

Adult female (N = 6). Appearance in life not recorded, extent of wax production unknown.

General. Mounted on microscope slide, body broadly oval and membranous, 0.78–1.06 (0.98) mm long, widest near abdominal segments II–III, 0.41–0.58 (0.52) mm wide. Abdomen smoothly tapering toward apex; abdominal segment VIII 170–213 (180) μm wide at base. Anal lobes poorly developed with several flagellate setae on venter and dorsum, ranging from 15–33 μm long. Body setae flagellate, 10–22 μm on head, 9–15 μm on thorax, 11–17 μm on abdominal segments. Trilocular pores abundant and distributed among body setae; bitubular cerores absent; oral collar tubular ducts absent. Microtrichia present on abdominal segments. Eyes absent.

Venter. Cephalic plate absent. Labium with 3 segments; 70 μm long and 46 μm at widest point. Antennae geniculate, 5-segmented, closely situated near midline on ventral submargin of head; overall length 126–134 (132) μm; length of segment I: 27–38 (34) μm; segment II: 14–17 (16) μm; segment III: 14–16 (15) μm; segment IV: 13–18 (14) μm; segment V: 52–53 (53) μm; apical antennal segment with 1 spine-like and 4 falcate stout sensory setae; few flagellate setae on each antennal segment, 14–35 μm long; sensorium present on second antennal segment. Legs well developed; overall length of hind leg 235–241 (238) μm; length of hind coxa 28–34 (34) μm; hind trochanter + femur 91–95 (91) μm; hind tibia + tarsus 88–91 (91) μm; hind claw 22–25 (22) μm; each claw with short setose digitule 2–3 μm long; flagellate setae present on each segment, around 19 μm long. Circulus absent. Multilocular disc pores in irregular rows or groups on segments VI–VIII, pores with 6–8 loculi in the outer ring.

Dorsum. Anal ring on dorsal surface near posterior margin, 48–52 μm in diameter; with oval cells, some cells bearing spicules; with three pairs of setae 33–39 μm long. Posterior pair of dorsal ostioles present, diameter of orifice measured along longitudinal axis approximately 45 μm; anterior pair present but much smaller than posterior pair and poorly developed, diameter of orifice approximately 10 μm. Multilocular disc pores absent.

The following newly described species are similar in appearance to R. andensis: R. campensis, R. montanae, and R. pediandensis. Consult the respective diagnosis sections under each species below for a discussion on how to distinguish them from R. andensis. Another new species, R. telalia, can easily be distinguished by the presence of well-developed anterior ostioles, which are present in R. andensis but are strongly reduced and may appear to be absent.

Ripersiella andensis may associate with Acropyga exsanguis and A. smithii (Caballero et al. 2019); however, confirmation of their direct association is lacking, and Schneider and LaPolla (2020) considered their reported trophobiosis to be speculative. Given that there is a complex of species resembling R. andensis living in association with Acropyga, it seems likely that they do associate, and this simply requires confirmation. It would be useful to clearly establish whether there are both free-living and ant-associated populations as well.

Holotype. Dominican Republic • 1 adult ♀; Loma Novillero (Fonestal Reserva) near Villa Altagracia; 18.7032, -70.1931, elev. 187 m; 4.viii.2009; JS LaPolla, SA Schneider leg.; associated with Acropyga dubitata, nest in 2° forest at base of tree root; USNM (nest DR8: prep JSL090804-05A). Paratypes. Dominican Republic • 1 adult ♀; same data as holotype; USNM (nest DR8: prep S0439A) • 1 adult ♀; same data as holotype; UNAB (nest DR8: prep JSL090804-05B) • 1 adult ♀; Rancho Capote near Hato Mayor, 18.7971, -69.4194, elev. 112 m; 3.viii.2009; JS LaPolla, SA Schneider leg.; associated with Acropyga dubitata, nest under large tree root in riparian forest near Fun-Fun Cave; USNM (nest DR6: prep JSL090803-05A) • 1 adult ♀; same data as previous; UNAB (nest DR6: prep JSL090803-05B) • 1 adult ♀; San Francisco Mountains, Loma Quita Espuela Reserve, 19.3386, -70.1482, elev. 290 m; 30.vii.2009; JS LaPolla, SA Schneider leg.; associated with Acropyga dubitata in mixed forest/cacao plantation, host Theobroma sp.; MNHNSD (nest DR3: prep JSL090730-08A) • 4 adult ♀♀; same data as previous; USNM (nest DR3: preps S0436A; JSL090730-05B,C; JSL090730-08D) • 1 adult ♀; San Francisco Mountains, Loma Quita Espuela Reserve, 19.3386, -70.1482, elev. 290 m; 31.vii.2009; JS LaPolla, SA Schneider leg.; associated with Acropyga dubitata in mixed forest/cacao plantation, host Theobroma sp.; UKMNH (nest DR4: prep JSL090731-01A) • 1 adult ♀; same data as previous; MNHNSD (nest DR4: prep JSL090731-01B) • 1 adult ♀; same data as previous; UKNMH (nest DR4: prep JSL090731-01C) • 3 adult ♀♀; same data as previous; USNM (nest DR4: preps JSL090731-02D,E,F) • 1 adult ♀; same data as previous; USNM (nest DR5: prep S0437A).

Figure 2. 

Ripersiella campensis Schneider & LaPolla sp. nov. Adult female, full body view, illustrated from holotype by T. Litwak (USDA ARS SEL), with edits by SAS.

Adult female (N = 17). In life, body bright white to cream colored and free of obvious waxy secretions, small deposits of wax from trilocular pores visible under SEM (Fig. 3), tending to gather in intersegmental regions of the body and appendages.

Figure 3. 

Ripersiella campensis Schneider & LaPolla sp. nov. Scanning electron micrographs (SEM) by J. Mowery (USDA ARS SEL) A dorsal view B ventral ½ view of adult female C magnified view of miniscule anterior dorsal ostiole D magnified view of curled wax deposits, trilocular pores, spine-like microtrichia, and abundant domed dermal micro-bumps in intersegmental region.

General. Mounted on microscope slide, body broadly oval and membranous, 0.86–1.03 (0.93) mm long, widest near abdominal segments III–V, 0.50–0.70 (0.60) mm wide. Abdomen slightly constricted between segments VII and VIII or smoothly tapering; abdominal segment VIII 186–251 (210) μm wide at base. Anal lobes poorly developed with several flagellate setae on venter and dorsum, ranging from 23–75 μm long, with 1 or 2 longer setae situated near dorsal margin. Body setae flagellate, 14–40 μm on head, 13–33 μm on thorax, 14–37 μm on abdominal segments. Trilocular pores abundant and distributed among body setae; bitubular cerores absent; oral collar tubular ducts absent. Microtrichia present on abdominal segments; rounded dermal micro-bumps abundant in intersegmental areas and surroundings of appendages. Eyes absent.

Venter. Cephalic plate absent. Labium with 3 segments; 71 μm long and 43 μm at widest point. Antennae geniculate, 5-segmented, closely situated near midline on ventral submargin of head; overall length 140–156 (146) μm; length of segment I: 33–43 (34) μm; segment II: 17–21 (17) μm; segment III: 14–19 (16) μm; segment IV: 14–19 (18) μm; segment V: 53–60 (58) μm; apical antennal segment with 1 spine-like seta, 4 falcate stout sensory setae, and what appears to be 1 minute sensory seta at terminal apex; few flagellate setae on each antennal segment, 25–35 μm long; sensorium present on second antennal segment. Legs well developed; overall length of hind leg 266–292 (280) μm; length of hind coxa 34–49 (34) μm; hind trochanter + femur 101–115 (103) μm; hind tibia + tarsus 103–108 (105) μm; hind claw 23–27 (26) μm; each claw with short setose digitule 2–3 μm long; flagellate setae present on each segment, around 27 μm long. Circulus absent. Multilocular disc pores in irregular rows or groups on segments III–VIII, sometimes missing from segments III or IV but always present at least as far anterior as V, pores with 7 loculi in the outer ring.

Dorsum. Anal ring on dorsal surface separated from posterior body margin by approximately 1× diameter of ring, 49–59 μm in diameter; with oval cells, some cells bearing spicules; with 3 pairs of setae 40–54 μm long. Posterior pair of dorsal ostioles present, diameter of orifice measured along longitudinal axis approximately 45 μm; anterior pair present but much smaller than posterior pair and poorly developed, diameter of orifice approximately 10 μm. Multilocular disc pores absent.

Specimens of R. campensis have been previously referred to in the literature as “Rhizoecus new sp.” (Schneider and LaPolla 2011). At the time, collections from the Dominican Republic were thought to comprise a single species associated with A. dubitata and the generic assignment was uncertain.

The species epithet is an adjective formed from the Latin noun campus referring to “a level place or surface” with the suffix -ensis denoting “of or from a place” alluding to the type series being collected only from lowland areas of Hispaniola.

Ripersiella campensis sp. nov. is similar in appearance to R. montanae sp. nov., described below. Morphological differences between the two species are subtle, but they can be distinguished based on the following suite of characteristics. In R. campensis, multilocular disc pores are present on abdominal segments V–VIII and usually present on segments III–IV as well, body setae are comparatively longer and sparsely distributed, antennal segments II–IV are subequal in length (average lengths in μm: 19, 16, 17), and segment V is approximately 57 μm long. In R. montanae, multilocular disc pores are restricted to abdominal segments VI–VIII, body setae are comparatively shorter and densely distributed, antennal segments II–IV differ in length (average lengths in μm: 13, 24, 20), and segment V is approximately 40 μm long.

Ripersiella campensis is also similar in appearance to R. andensis. The two species can be distinguished as follows (character states for R. andensis are given in parentheses): having multilocular disc pores on any of segments III–V (absent on these segments); having anal lobe setae as long as 75 μm (as long as 35 μm); setae on the head, thorax, and abdomen are exceeding 30 μm (not exceeding 25 μm); hind legs are approximately 280 μm long (240 μm); and antennae are approximately 146 μm long (128 μm).

Ripersiella campensis was discovered from five nests of Acropyga dubitata (Wheeler & Mann) (nests DR3–6,8). The nests were located in lowland (between 112–290 m) forested areas, including a mixed forest/cacao plantation, riparian forest, and secondary growth forest near agricultural fields. We verified direct species-to-species association (trophobiosis) between the scale insects and ants through observation of attendance by worker ants and by the fact that all colonies contained numerous individuals of the same root mealybug species within their nest chambers and no additional species of scale insects were present. In the Dominican Republic, R. montanae also associates with A. dubitata but potentially only in areas of high elevation (>1000 m) in the mountains near the shared border with Haiti.

Holotype. Colombia • 1 adult ♀; La Esperanza; ii.1936; R Roba coll.; USNM. Other material. United States • 1 adult ♀; Arizona, Cochise Co., Chiricahua Mtns, SW Res. Sta., 5 miles W. Portal; 31.8833, -109.2063, 1646 m; 5–15.viii.2001; JS LaPolla; with Acropyga epedana; USNM • 1 adult ♀; Arizona, Cochise Co., near Portal; 31.8838, -109.2229, 1645 m; 31.vii.2005; CR Smith; collected from colony of Acropyga epedana; USNM.

Figure 4. 

Ripersiella colombiensis (Hambleton). Adult female, full body view, re-illustrated by JSL from Williams and Granara de Willink (1992) and Kozár and Konczné Benedicty (2007), with edits by SAS.

Adult female, based on holotype. Appearance in life not reported; extent of wax production unknown.

General. Mounted on microscope slide, body broadly oval and membranous, 1.09 mm long, widest at metathorax and abdominal segments I–II, 0.91 mm wide. Abdomen rounded and gently tapering toward posterior apex; abdominal segment VIII approximately 270 μm wide at base. Anal lobes poorly developed with several flagellate setae on dorsum and venter, 18–28 μm long; lacking differentiated group of 3 long anal lobe setae. Body setae flagellate, 17–25 μm on head, 15–20 μm on thorax, 16–21 μm on abdominal segments. Trilocular pores scarcely distributed among body setae; multilocular disc pores absent; bitubular cerores absent; oral collar tubular ducts absent. Microtrichia present on abdominal segments and thorax. Eyes absent.

Venter. Cephalic plate absent. Labium with 3 segments; 88–110 μm long and 69 μm at widest point. Antennae geniculate, 5-segmented, closely situated near midline on ventral submargin of head; overall length 182 μm; length of segment I: 36 μm; segment II: 26 μm; segment III: 28 μm; segment IV: 22 μm; segment V: 70 μm; apical segment with 1 spine-like and 4 falcate sensory setate; flagellate setae on each antennal segment 18–40 μm long. Legs well developed; overall length of hind leg 394 μm; length of hind coxa 48 μm; length of hind trochanter + femur 158 μm; length of hind tibia + tarsus 152 μm; length of hind claw 36 μm; each claw with setose digitule 4 μm long; flagellate or stout setae present on each segment 18–28 μm long. Single conical circulus present between abdominal segments III and IV, 28 μm wide; inner margin of orifice slightly crenulated.

Dorsum. Anal ring situated on dorsal surface separated from posterior body margin by approximately 1× diameter of ring, 80 μm in diameter; with oval cells lacking spicules; bearing three pairs of setae about 63 μm long. Posterior pair of ostioles present, diameter of orifice measured along longitudinal axis approximately 68 μm; anterior pair of ostioles apparently absent.

Ripersiella colombiensis is most similar in appearance to the newly described species R. illicians. Consult the diagnosis of R. illicians for a discussion on how to distinguish them.

Ripersiella colombiensis is confirmed to associate with Acropyga epedana and is one of few species of Rhizoecidae with a published record of Acropyga queens carrying gravid female trophobionts on their nuptial flight (Smith et al. 2007; Schneider and LaPolla 2020). Specimens from Colombia and Arizona appear likely to be conspecific, although those from Arizona have noticeably longer and thinner legs relative to their body size.

Holotype. Peru • 1 adult ♀; Madre de Dios, Manu National Park, Cocha Cashu Biological Station, near trail marker 27:1150; -11.8833, -71.4000; 10.vi.2019; JS LaPolla, SA Schneider leg.; upland forest, from large nest of Acropyga goeldii (group) at base of tree; USNM (nest PER25-01: prep S0426E). Paratypes. Peru • 3 adult ♀♀; same data as holotype; USNM (nest PER25-01: preps S0426B,D,F) • 1 adult ♀; same data as holotype; UNMSM (nest PER25-01: prep S0426C) • 1 adult ♀; same data as holotype; UNAB (nest PER25-01: prep S0426G) • 1 adult ♀; same data as holotype; UKMNH (nest PER25-01: prep S0426A).

Figure 5. 

Ripersiella illicians Schneider & LaPolla sp. nov. Adult female, full body view, illustrated from holotype by T. Litwak (USDA ARS SEL), with edits by SAS.

Adult female (N = 7). In life, body bright white to cream colored and visibly coated in powdery white wax.

Figure 6. 

Ripersiella illicians Schneider & LaPolla sp. nov. Scanning electron micrograph (SEM) by J. Mowery (USDA ARS SEL). Dorsal anterior view of adult female head and thorax, showing the absence of anterior ostioles and the presence of curled wax deposits and domed dermal micro-bumps in intersegmental areas.

General. Mounted on microscope slide, body broadly oval and membranous, 0.70–0.83 (0.78) mm long, widest at metathorax and abdominal segments I–II, 0.46–0.61 (0.55) mm wide. Abdomen rounded and gently tapering toward posterior apex; abdominal segment VIII 148–196 (196) μm wide at base. Anal lobes poorly developed with several flagellate setae on dorsum, 57–60 μm long. Body setae flagellate, 15–27 μm on head, 17–33 μm on thorax, 15–40 μm on abdominal segments. Trilocular pores abundant and distributed among body setae; multilocular disc pores absent; bitubular cerores absent; oral collar tubular ducts absent. Microtrichia apparently present only on dorsum of segments VI–VIII; rounded dermal micro-bumps present in intersegmental areas and surroundings of appendages. Internal genital organ sclerotized in some specimens of type series. Eyes absent.

Venter. Cephalic plate present. Labium with 3 segments; 82 μm long and 41 μm at widest point. Antennae geniculate, 6-segmented, closely situated near midline on ventral submargin of head; overall length 130–151 (151) μm; length of segment I: 30–37 (37) μm; segment II: 14–18 (18) μm; segment III: 17–20 (20) μm; segment IV: 14–19 (19) μm; segment V: 13–17 (17) μm; segment VI: 39–40 (40) μm; apical segment with 4 falcate stout sensory setate; a few flagellate setae present on each antennal segment, 19–30 μm long. Legs well developed; overall length of hind leg 274–290 (288) μm; length of hind coxa 43–44 (44) μm; length of hind trochanter + femur 102–108 (106) μm; length of hind tibia + tarsus 102–110 (110) μm; length of hind claw 26–31 (28) μm; each claw with stout setose digitule 1–2 μm long; flagellate setae present on each segment approximately 23 μm long. Single conical circulus present between abdominal segments III and IV, 22 μm in diameter; inner margin of orifice crenulated or with rugose projections.

Dorsum. Anal ring situated on dorsal surface separated from posterior body margin by approximately one-half diameter of ring, 59–61 μm in diameter; with oval cells lacking spicules; bearing 3 pairs of setae about 50 μm long. Posterior pair of ostioles present, diameter of orifice measured along longitudinal axis approximately 39 μm; anterior pair of ostioles absent.

Specimens of R. illicians have been previously referred to in the literature as “Ripersiella undescribed (i)” (Schneider et al. 2022).

The species epithet is an adjective formed from illicium, meaning attraction or enticement, and its use alludes to the apparent tendency of Acropyga colonies to gain rhizoecid partners through horizontal acquisitions. Such colonies have been figuratively attracted away from their primary associates in Xenococcidae.

Ripersiella illicians sp. nov. is similar to R. colombiensis as both species have a subcircular body shape, bearing one circulus, and both are lacking multilocular disc pores and an anterior pair of dorsal ostioles. However, R. illicians can be distinguished from R. colombiensis as follows (character states for R. colombiensis are given in parentheses): having 6-segmented antennae (5-segmented antennae); having comparatively long body setae, ranging from 15–40 μm (comparatively short, ranging from 15–25 μm); and having anal lobe setae that are distinctly longer than body setae, 57–60 μm (similar in length to body setae, 18–28 μm).

Ripersiella illicians was discovered from a large nest of Acropyga goeldii (group). Root mealybugs were abundant in the nest, and wax could be seen on their body using a hand lens. Their direct association was confirmed through observation of the colony using a nest-box, as described by Schneider et al. (2022). After specimens were collected into a nest-box, worker ants gathered trophobionts into a protective cluster and were actively engaged in attending to them.

Holotype. Dominican Republic • 1 adult ♀; W. of Hondo Valley, 13 m off road; 18.7229, -71.7061, elev. 1032 m; 24.vii.2009; JS LaPolla, SA Schneider leg.; associated with Acropyga dubitata, nest under a stone in coffee plantation next to road, host Coffea sp.; USNM (nest DR2: prep JSL090724-13A). Paratypes. Dominican Republic • 5 adult ♀♀; same data as holotype; USNM (nest DR1: preps S0434A; S0435A; JSL090724-08A,B; JSL090724-10F) • 1 adult ♀; same data as holotype; MNHNSD (nest DR1: prep JSL090724-05E) • 1 adult ♀; same data as holotype; UNAB (nest DR1: prep JSL090724-08C) • 1 adult ♀; same data as holotype; UKMNH (nest DR1: prep JSL090724-08D).

Figure 7. 

Ripersiella montanae Schneider & LaPolla sp. nov. Adult female, full body view, illustrated from holotype by T. Litwak (USDA ARS SEL), with edits by SAS.

Adult female (N = 9). In life, body bright white to cream colored and free of obvious waxy secretions, small deposits of wax from trilocular pores visible under SEM (Fig. 8), tending to gather in intersegmental regions of the body and appendages.

Figure 8. 

Ripersiella montanae Schneider & LaPolla sp. nov. Scanning electron micrograph (SEM) by J. Mowery (USDA ARS SEL). Ventral view of adult female labium and prothoracic legs, showing curled wax deposits and an abundance of domed dermal micro-bumps surrounding the attachment points of appendages.

General. Mounted on microscope slide, body broadly oval and membranous, 0.91–1.03 (0.99) mm long, widest near abdominal segments III–V, 0.51–0.68 (0.62) mm wide. Abdomen slightly constricted between segments VII and VIII or smoothly tapering; abdominal segment VIII 199–250 (199) μm wide at base. Anal lobes poorly developed with several flagellate setae on venter and dorsum, ranging from 16–59 μm long, with longest setae situated near dorsal margin; lacking differentiated set of 3 longer stout setae common to the group. Body setae short and flagellate, 10–22 μm on head, 12–20 μm on thorax, 14–24 μm on abdominal segments. Trilocular pores abundant and distributed among body setae; bitubular cerores absent; oral collar tubular ducts absent. Microtrichia present on abdominal segments; rounded dermal micro-bumps abundant in intersegmental areas and surroundings of appendages (Fig. 8). Eyes absent.

Venter. Cephalic plate absent. Labium with 3 segments; 70 μm long and 42 μm at widest point. Antennae geniculate, 5-segmented, closely situated near midline on ventral submargin of head; overall length 126–133 (129) μm; length of segment I: 30–34 (34) μm; segment II: 12–19 (13) μm; segment III: 20–26 (24) μm; segment IV: 17–21 (18) μm; segment V: 36–42 (40) μm; apical antennal segment with 1 spine-like and 4 falcate stout sensory setae; a few flagellate setae on each antennal segment, 20–30 μm long; sensorium present on second antennal segment. Legs well developed; overall length of hind leg 253–277 (275) μm; length of hind coxa 32–48 (48) μm; hind trochanter + femur 86–101 (95) μm; hind tibia + tarsus 101–111 (111) μm; hind claw 21–26 (21) μm; each claw with short setose digitule 2–3 μm long; flagellate or stout setae present on each segment, about 25 μm long. Circulus absent. Multilocular disc pores in irregular rows or groups on segments VI–VIII, sometimes absent from segment VI, pores with 7 loculi in the outer ring.

Dorsum. Anal ring on dorsal surface separated from posterior body margin by approximately one-half diameter of ring, 40–53 μm in diameter; with oval cells, some cells bearing spicules; typically with three pairs of setae, although one specimen in type series (JSL090724-05E) has four pairs, each 40–50 μm long. Posterior pair of dorsal ostioles present, diameter of orifice measured along longitudinal axis approximately 40 μm; anterior pair present but barely perceptible except under SEM, reduced compared to posterior pair and poorly developed, diameter of orifice approximately 15 μm. Multilocular disc pores absent.

Specimens of R. montanae have been previously referred to in the literature as “Rhizoecus new sp.” (Schneider and LaPolla 2011). At the time, R. campensis and R. montanae were thought to comprise a single species associated with A. dubitata and the generic assignment was uncertain.

The species epithet is derived from the Latin adjective montanus (of mountains), indicating that the type series was collected from a mountainous area of Hispaniola.

Ripersiella montanae sp. nov. is similar in appearance to R. campensis sp. nov. The diagnosis section under R. campensis explains how the two species may be distinguished. Ripersiella montanae is also similar in appearance to R. andensis but the two species can be distinguished as follows (character states for R. andensis are given in parentheses): having antennal segments II–IV differing in length (subequal in length); having a comparatively short terminal antennal segment, 40 μm long (comparatively long, 53 μm); having hind legs approximately 275 μm long (240 μm); having the hind trochanter+femur shorter than the tibia+tarsus (the reverse); and having anal lobe setae as long as 59 μm (as long as 33 μm).

Ripersiella montanae was discovered from two nests of A. dubitata (nests DR1–2). The nests were located under stones in a coffee plantation within a few meters of one another. We verified direct species-to-species association (trophobiosis) between the scale insects and ants through observation of attendance by worker ants and by the fact that both colonies contained numerous individuals of the same root mealybug species within their nest chambers and no additional species of scale insects were present. This species was only discovered at high elevation (>1000 m) in the mountainous region of western Dominican Republic near the border with Haiti. Several nests of A. dubitata were collected throughout the lowland regions (112–290 m) of Dominican Republic but these nests contained a different associated root mealybug species, R. campensis.

Holotype. Peru • 1 adult ♀; Madre de Dios, Dept. Cusco, Cosnipata Valley, Carretera a Manu; -13.0685, -71.5539; 3.viii.2012; TR Schultz leg. (TRS120803-05); collected from Acropyga goeldii (group) colony; host not recorded; USNM (nest TRS1: prep S0092B). Paratypes. Peru • 1 adult ♀; same data as holotype; USNM (nest TRS1: prep S0092A) • 1 adult ♀; same data as holotype; UNAB (nest TRS1: prep TRS120803-05A).

Adult female (N = 3). Appearance in life not recorded.

General. Mounted on microscope slide, body membranous, broadly oval in young adults to nearly circular in more mature specimens, 1.31–1.53 (1.43) mm long, widest near abdominal segments III–V, 1.01–1.44 (1.21) mm wide. Abdomen smoothly rounded; abdominal segment VIII 258–275 (258) μm wide at base. Anal lobes poorly developed with several flagellate setae on venter and dorsum, ranging from 10–40 μm long, each with group of 3 distinctly stouter setae situated near dorsal margin 71–108 μm long. Body setae flagellate, 11–33 μm on head, 11–15 μm on thorax, 10–40 μm on abdominal segments. Trilocular pores abundant and distributed among body setae; bitubular cerores absent. Microtrichia present; presence of rounded dermal micro-bumps uncertain. Eyes absent.

Figure 9. 

Ripersiella pediandensis Schneider & LaPolla sp. nov. Adult female, full body view, illustrated from holotype by T. Litwak (USDA ARS SEL), with edits by SAS.

Venter. Cephalic plate present, with few setae on the plate and several setae and trilocular pores surrounding the ventral and lateral margins. Labium with 3 segments; 92 μm long and 49 μm at widest point. Antennae geniculate, 5-segmented, closely situated near midline on ventral submargin of head; overall length 188–201 (192) μm; length of segment I: 45–50 (48) μm; segment II: 19–24 (19) μm; segment III: 19–21 (19) μm; segment IV: 19–23 (23) μm; segment V: 79–88 (79) μm; apical antennal segment with 1 spine-like and 4 falcate stout sensory setae; a few flagellate setae on each antennal segment, 30–45 μm long; sensorium present on second antennal segment. Legs well developed; overall length of hind leg 346–381 (346) μm; length of hind coxa 42–63 (42) μm; hind trochanter + femur 132–137 (132) μm; hind tibia + tarsus 136–144 (136) μm; hind claw 36–37 (36) μm; each claw with short setose digitule 7.5 μm long; flagellate setae present on each segment, about 25 μm long; 3 stout spine-like setae on inner margin of tibia and tarsus. Circulus absent. Multilocular disc pores present near the vulva on abdominal segments VII–VIII with 9 loculi in the outer ring; near each spiracle a multilocular disc pore with 6 or 7 loculi present. Oral collar tubular ducts present in singular rows or sparsely scattered on median to submedian areas of ventral abdominal segments, 1 or 2 present on thoracic segments near each spiracle.

Dorsum. Anal ring on dorsal surface separated from posterior body margin by approximately 1× diameter of ring, 66–73 μm in diameter; with oval cells, some cells bearing spicules; with three pairs of setae 30–42 μm long. Posterior pair of dorsal ostioles present, diameter of orifice measured along longitudinal axis approximately 44 μm; anterior pair present but smaller than posterior pair, diameter of orifice approximately 29 μm. Multilocular disc pores absent. Oral collar tubular ducts absent.

The species epithet is an adjective meaning “from the foot of the Andes”, which combines the noun pedis (foot), the adjective andinus (pertaining to the Andes Mountains), and suffix -ensis (of or from a place).

Ripersiella pediandensis sp. nov. is similar in appearance to R. andensis but the two species can be distinguished as follows (character states for R. andensis are given in parentheses): having oral collar tubular ducts present on the venter (absent); having comparatively long claws, 37 μm (comparatively short, 24 μm); having comparatively long anal lobe setae, 71–108 μm (comparatively short, 33 μm). The body and appendages of R. pediandensis are also longer in comparison. Compared to R. kelloggi (character states in parentheses), the legs of R. pediandensis are larger in proportion to the body (smaller in proportion), the cephalic plate is present (absent), multilocular disc pores are present near the vulva (absent), it is lacking a circulus (bears 2 small circuli), and the longest anal lobe setae are 71–108 μm long (less than 30 μm long). See the diagnosis under R. telalia sp. nov. for a comparison to that species.

The association between R. pediandensis and a species of Acropyga (within the goeldii group) is lacking information on observations that were made to confirm direct trophobiosis between these partners, and only a single nest was collected. Thus, as in some other cases discussed by Schneider and LaPolla (2020), we consider this relationship to be speculative (however likely) until it can be confirmed through further collections and observations.

Holotype. Peru • 1 adult ♀; Madre de Dios, Manu National Park, Cocha Cashu Biological Station, trail intersection of 1:306 and 5A; -11.8833, -71.4000; 10.vi.2019; JS LaPolla, SA Schneider leg.; from large Acropyga (possibly) decedens nest; USNM (nest PER24-01: prep S0425D). Paratypes. Peru • 3 adult ♀♀; same data as holotype; USNM (nest PER24-01: preps S0425A,C,F) • 1 adult ♀; same data as holotype; UNMSM (nest PER24-01: prep S0425B) • 1 adult ♀; same data as holotype; UNAB (nest PER24-01: prep S0425E) • 1 adult ♀; same data as holotype; UKNMH (nest PER24-01: prep S0425G).

Figure 10. 

Ripersiella telalia Schneider sp. nov. Adult female, full body view, illustrated from holotype by T. Litwak (USDA ARS SEL), with edits by SAS.

Adult female (N = 7). In life, body bright white to cream colored and visibly coated in powdery white wax (Fig. 11).

Figure 11. 

Ripersiella telalia Schneider sp. nov. Scanning electron micrograph (SEM) by J. Mowery (USDA ARS SEL). Dorsal anterior view of adult female head and thorax, showing the presence of anterior ostioles, relatively heavy coating of curled wax deposits, and apparent absence of domed dermal micro-bumps in intersegmental areas.

General. Mounted on microscope slide, body broadly oval and membranous, 0.85–1.07 (0.95) mm long, widest near abdominal segment III, 0.55–0.72 (0.65) mm wide. Abdomen smoothly tapering toward posterior end; abdominal segment VIII about 250 μm wide at base. Anal lobes poorly developed with several stout flagellate setae on venter and dorsum, 16–25 μm long, with longest setae on margin; lacking differentiated set of 3 longer stout setae common to the group. Body setae short and flagellate, 9–12 μm on head, 8–12 μm on thorax, 9–19 μm on abdominal segments. Trilocular pores abundant and distributed among body setae; bitubular cerores absent; 1–4 oral collar tubular ducts present on margins of each abdominal segment VI–VIII and extending as far anterior as III on some specimens. Microtrichia present; rounded dermal micro-bumps apparently absent. Eyes absent.

Venter. Cephalic plate present. Labium with 3 segments; 76 μm long and 39 μm at widest point. Antennae geniculate, 5-segmented, closely situated near midline on ventral submargin of head; overall length about 126–129 (128) μm; length of segment I: 32–35 (32) μm; segment II: 13–16 (16) μm; segment III: 14–17 (15) μm; segment IV: 12–14 (13) μm; segment V: 50–52 (52) μm; on some specimens apical antennal segment retains partial intersegmental line marking obsolete segment VI; with 1 spine-like and 3 falcate stout sensory setae on apical segment; a few flagellate setae on each antennal segment, 15–30 μm long; sensorium present on second antennal segment. Legs well developed; overall length of hind leg 267–284 (270) μm; length of hind coxa 41–52 (41) μm; hind trochanter + femur 101–105 (102) μm; hind tibia + tarsus 97–101 (101) μm; hind claw 26–30 (28) μm; each claw with short setose digitule 2–3 μm long; flagellate setae present on each segment, around 13–20 μm long; 3 stout spine-like setae on inner margin of tibia and tarsus. Circulus absent. Multilocular disc pores in irregular rows or groups on median to submedian of III–VIII, sparse on III–VI, abundant on segments VII and VIII with some located on submargins, pores with 6 or 7 loculi in the outer ring.

Dorsum. Anal ring near dorsal margin, 41–46 μm in diameter; with oval cells, some cells bearing spicules; with 3 pairs of setae 26 μm long. Posterior pair of dorsal ostioles present, diameter of orifice measured along longitudinal axis approximately 42 μm; anterior pair present and slightly smaller than posterior pair, diameter of orifice approximately 33 μm. Multilocular disc pores absent.

Specimens of R. telalia have been previously referred to in the literature as “Ripersiella near andensis (ii)” (Schneider et al. 2022).

The species epithet is a genitive noun meaning “distant conversation”, combining the Greek noun lalia (conversation, talk) with the suffix tele (at a distance). Throughout the isolation of the modern pandemic, quarantine chat groups helped us maintain a much-needed sense of community. This species is named in tribute to these groups, and is specifically dedicated to Josh, Justin, and Mark. The name can be considered a double entendre, as it also alludes to the species’ symbiosis with ants as an ongoing conversation between distantly related partners.

Ripersiella telalia sp. nov. is similar to R. pediandensis sp. nov. in possessing oral collar tubular ducts, but the distribution of ducts differs between species. In R. telalia these ducts are restricted to the margins of abdominal segments with only 1–4 present per segment, whereas in R. pediandensis they are present in ventral bands often exceeding four per segment. The anterior pair of dorsal ostioles are large and more obviously developed in R. telalia relative to the other species discussed in this work.

Ripersiella telalia was discovered from quite a large nest of Acropyga (probably) decedens. We estimated in the field that the nest comprised thousands of individual ants and scales. Their direct association was confirmed through observation of the colony using a nest-box, as described by Schneider et al. (2022). After specimens were collected into a nest-box, worker ants gathered trophobionts into a protective cluster and were actively engaged in attending to them.