Habitat—On Brachyglottis repanda, Panax arboreum, Leptospermum scoparium (manuka), Elæocarpus dentatus (hinau); Wellington.
The species is distinguishable by the shape and colour of the test and the arrangement of the spinnerets, in the adult female. The tests of the second stage may sometimes be taken for adult Ceroplastes rusci, Linn.; but can be easily distinguished on examination of the enclosed insect.
35. Ctenochiton fuscus, Maskell.
N.Z. Trans., Vol. XVI., 1883, p. 131.
([Plate VII.], Fig. 6.)
Test of the adult female elliptical in outline, flat below, convex above, the elevation being greater than usual; almost black in colour, composed of a thin dark waxy secretion. The fringe is conspicuous, and has the appearance of teeth, the segments being sharply triangular and set closely together. Length of test sometimes nearly 1/4in., breadth 1/7in., height 1/10in. Inside of the test whitish.
Test of male glassy, white, elongated, slightly convex.
Adult female filling the test, shrivelling at gestation. Antennæ short, probably seven-jointed, but the joints are confused; on the last joint several hairs. Foot having the tibia expanded at the extremity; upper digitules strong and thick, lower pair ending in conspicuously broad plates. On the edge of the body a row of conical spines. Colour almost black.
In the second stage the female is less wavy in outline than in other species of the genus, and in its later period is somewhat thick, with the edges turned inwards. Feet normal; digitules fine. Antennæ short and thick, with six joints, of which the third and fourth are the longest; on the last joint some long hairs. The abdominal lobes are irregularly triangular.
Young insect normal.