Acta Zoologica Cracoviensia, 17() 1972
Morphology and taxonomy of the male Kermes quercus (L.) (Homoptera, Coccoidea)
Abstract:
The morphology of the male Kermes quereus (L.) is described in detail and illustrated. On account of the constricted neck region and the association of the tentorial arms with the cranial apophysis, Kermes Boitard belongs to the lecanoid Coccoidea. The morphology of the male confirms the status of Kermesidae as a dinstinct family. Among the lecanoid Coccoidea Kermesidae hold an intermediate position between the primitive families Pseudococcidae and Eriococcidae and the specialized Coccidae — Lecaniodiaspididae — Asterolecaniidae, but this does not mean that Kermes may be regarded as an annecting genus between the two groups. The resemblance between Kermesidae and the specialized groups of the lecanoid Coccoidea is due rather to convergence.
