A Neotropical complex of Ripersiella species (Hemiptera, Coccomorpha, Rhizoecidae) collected from the nests of Acropyga ants (Hymenoptera, Formicidae)

Abstract

We describe five new Neotropical species of Ripersiella living in association with Acropyga ants: R. campensissp. nov., R. illicianssp. nov., R. montanaesp. nov., R. pediandensissp. nov., and R. telaliasp. nov. We also redescribe R. andensis and R. colombiensis based on type specimens and other collections. Together, these seven species form a morphologically similar group that we informally refer to as the andensis-complex of Ripersiella. All members of the andensis-complex are confirmed or are speculated to be mutualists of Acropyga ants. We discuss the implications of these associations and provide an identification key to the Neotropical species of Ripersiella that are lacking bitubular cerores, including the new species.