Description of uncovered diversity in pine scales Chionapis spp. (Hemiptera: Coccoidea: Diaspididae) endemic of North America

The pine needle scale Chionaspis pinifoliae (Fitch) and pine scale Chionaspis heterophyllae Cooley are the only armored scale insects of the genus endemic of North America to feed on pine. These two species are considered as pests of numerous pine species and sometimes other conifers. Closely monitored by the Integrated Pest Management, they can cause heavy damage to conifer forests, including impacts on the horticulture industry. A recent study including a large sampling of Ch. pinifoliae and Ch. heterophyllae across North America has revealed a larger diversity of the genus feeding on pine than previously thought (Gwiazdowski et al., in press). As a result of this study, we describe five new species: Chionaspis brevicephala sp. nov., Chionaspis caudata sp. nov., Chionaspis cembroides sp. nov., Chionaspis sonarae sp. nov. and Chionaspis torreyanae sp. nov.