Scanning Electron Microscopy Based Morphology of Papaya Mealybug [Paracoccus marginatus Williams and Granara De Wilink (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)] on Mulberry Plant of Assam, India

A scanning electron microscopy (SEM) study was conducted on the external morphology of the adult female Papaya mealybug, Paracoccous marginatus Willam and Granara de Willink. This study aimed to enhance the understanding of the external morphology and wax-secreting pores of the papaya mealybug through SEM examination. The ultrastructure of the antenna, stylet fascicle, legs, cerarii, vulva, and wax-secreting pores was carefully examined. Despite the time-consuming and expensive nature of preparing specimens for SEM, the detailed information obtained is valuable for resolving challenging aspects of papaya mealybug taxonomy and enhancing our understanding of the role of wax in their biology.