39. Ctenochiton viridis, Maskell.
N.Z. Trans., Vol. XI., 1878, p. 211; Vol. XVII., 1884, p. 24.
([Plate IX.], Fig. 1.)
Test of adult female absent or fragmentary; very thin, waxy, white, divided into pentagonal or hexagonal segments, each of which exhibits numerous concentric wavy curves, crossed by straight lines radiating from the centre;[P] the segments are separated by double lines of minute spots, corresponding to the spinneret orifices of the insect. No air-cells. Fringe seldom visible.
[P] The radiating lines and concentric curves of these segments are usually somewhat conspicuous, at least on the adult female, and serve to distinguish the test from that of C. elongatus, which otherwise resembles it.
Test of female of second stage very thin, white, waxy, flat, divided into segments with concentric curves and radiating lines as in the adult. Fringe of broad segments. No air-cells. Length, about 1/15in.
Test of male glassy, white, elongated, slightly convex, divided into segments similarly marked to those of the female. Abdominal segments separated from the test by a transverse line, or hinge. Length, about 1/6in.
Adult female bright-green in colour, thick, elongated or pyriform, the cephalic portion somewhat acuminate; length sometimes reaching 1/2in. It produces a conspicuous depression in the leaf, in which the body is partially buried. Antennæ of six joints (apparently seven, but the third joint shows the false division or depressed ring), often atrophied. Feet normal, coxæ and femora thick. After gestation the insect frequently becomes brown, covered with a mass of white mealy or felted secretion.
Female of the second stage thin, filmy, translucent; flat, elongated, with wavy outline; colour green; length, about 1/20in. Antennæ of six joints.
Adult male greenish-yellow; length, about 1/15in. Antennæ of nine joints. Feet normal; digitules absent. A strong spine at the extremity of the tibia.