Test of second stage generally resembling that of the adult, but smaller and less conical, and more tinged with green; and at the edge a number of short spinneret tubes may be seen protruding.
Test of the male elongated-oval, convex, but wanting the prominent horn of the female, glassy, white tinged with yellowish-brown, composed of segments marked with conspicuous striæ. Length, 1/12in. Fringe often present, but irregular; often absent.
The adult female fills the test, shrivelling after gestation. It exhibits the horn, or two horns, as in the test. Antennæ of seven joints, the third joint showing the false division noted in other species of Lecanodiaspidæ. Feet normal; upper digitules strong and thick, lower pair rather broad. Along the edge of the body is a row of sharp lanceolate spines set closely together, and the spiracular spines are long and conspicuous. A double or triple row of minute circular spinnerets marks the divisions corresponding to the segments of the test. Colour of the insect greenish, turning brown after gestation. The abdominal lobes are brown.
In the second stage the female resembles generally the adult; but the antennæ have six joints, and amongst the marginal spines are some very much larger than the rest.
The young larva is flat and oval, and at the margin shows a fringe of long glassy pointed tubes, springing from the marginal spines.
The adult male is about 1/20in. in length (exclusive of the wings), brownish or reddish-yellow in colour, the wings hyaline and iridescent, with red nervures. Antennæ of ten joints, on the last of which are, amongst others, three long knobbed hairs. Foot with a spine at the extremity of the tibia; digitules fine hairs. At each side of the abdominal spike springs a strong seta, from which extends a white cottony pencil, as long as the body of the insect. The penis is a long soft cylindrical tube covered with minute recurved spines. Thoracic band short and narrow.
Habitat—On Elæocarpus dentatus (hinau), Leptospermum scoparium (manuka); Wellington.[Q]
[Q] The male pupæ may be found not unfrequently on other plants, such as Coprosma, Pittosporum, &c.
This is a handsome species: the colour and the horns of the test are clear distinctions.