Marotta, S., & Tranfaglia, A. 1998 A new morphological structure on Kermes vermilio (Planchon) (Hemiptera: Coccoidea: Kermesidae).. VIIIth International Symposium on Scale Insect Studies Wye, UK 41 pp.

Notes: [Conference held at Wye College, University of London, Aug. 31st - Sept. 6th, 1998.] Abstract only. Kermes vermilio is a common scale insect living on Quercus ilex in southern Italian urban environments. Morphological studies on the young instars of both sexes have shown the presence of ventral frontal lobes. These lobes are situated just anteromedially to each basal antennal segement and have a membranous appearance. Previously, similar lobes were only known in many species of the family Eriococcidae. These structures are here recorded in Kermesidae for the first time and it is considered likely that they are also present in other species of the family. Their function is unknown.