Life history of the sooty beech scale (Ultracoelostoma assimile) (Maskell), (Hemiptera: Margarodidae) in New ZealandNothofagusforests

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Abstract
Black beech Nothofagus solandri solandri, was sampled over 2 consecutive seasons at 2 separate South Island sites to provide life history information on Ultracoelostoma assimile (Maskell). There were 4 female instars and 5 male instars. Descriptions and diagrams of these stages are given. The 2nd and 3rd instar females and, to a lesser extent, the 1st instars produce honeydew. Adult females, 3rd and 2nd instar females are enclosed in a test on the host plant. They were present throughout the year with no significant seasonal changes of their proportions in the population. Eggs were found in tests in all months of the year, the highest number found was 232. Mobile male prepupae were found only in November. Adult winged males were found from December to March. Crawlers were present throughout the year with an increased production in summer when some wind dispersal occurred. Parasites recorded were a pteromalid (Hymenoptera) and its hyperparasite, and a melandryiid (Coleoptera). A clerid (Coleoptera) was found feeding on live scales. Caterpillars of the families Oecophoridae and Coleophoridae were found associated with scale tests but their role is uncertain. The life history is compared with other margarodids in New Zealand and other countries.