Adult female dark-purple in colour, producing a rich red tint in alcohol; body segmented, convex, slightly elongated, stationary; enclosed in a thick mass of white cottony secretion. Length, about 1/7in. Internal substance very oily. Anal tubercles inconspicuous, thick, with broad bases. Anogenital ring large, with six hairs. Feet normal; upper digitules long fine hairs; lower digitules somewhat broader. Antennæ of eight joints. On the dorsum a number of tubular projecting spinnerets, and others circular. On each of the last three abdominal segments a row of large conical spines.
Female of second stage dark-brown, active, elongated, segmented, flatter than the adult; length, about 1/20in. Anal tubercles inconspicuous, setiferous. A few conical spines on the posterior segments. Antennæ of six joints. A thin mealy secretion on the body.
Young larva dark-brown, naked, active, elongated, segmented; length, about 1/40in. Antennæ of six joints. Anal tubercles thick, broad, and more conspicuous than in the adult. A few small spines on the dorsum.
Adult male unknown.
Habitat—On Veronica sp., Upper Waimakariri Valley, Southern Alps.
A species easily distinguished by its cottony sac, its rich colour in alcohol, and its conical spines. It would seem to be intermediate between Rhizococcus and Dactylopius.
61. Dactylopius calceolariæ, Maskell.
N.Z. Trans., Vol. XI., 1878, p. 218; Vol. XVI., 1883, p. 138.
([Plate XVII.], Fig. 2.)