Watson, G.W., & Kubiriba, J. 2005 Identification of mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) on banana and plantain in Africa.. African Entomology 13(1): 35-47.
Notes: Banana and plantain are important sources of carbohydrate and small-scale farmer income in parts of Africa, and Banana Streak Virus (BSV) causes serious loss of yield in some areas. Mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) have been implicated in the transmission of BSV in the region. The identity of the mealybug vector(s) is not known, and the methods involved in mealybug preparation for identification are not widely available in Africa. This paper provides methods of collection, preservation and preparation, information on mealybug morphology, and an identification key to adult females of 20 species and 14 genera of mealybugs that may be found on Musaceae in Africa. Brief notes are given on the species, most of which are also important pests on other crops.