Carulaspis silvestrii Lupo (Hemiptera, Coccomorpha, Diaspididae): redescription and neotype designation, with a key to Carulaspis MacGillivray species

The insect genus <i>Carulaspis</i> MacGillivray, associated with Pinidae and Magnoliidae, includes six species: <i>C.juniperi</i>, <i>C.minima</i>, <i>C.visci</i>, <i>C.atlantica</i>, <i>C.taxicola</i> and <i>C.silvestrii</i>. The first description of <i>C.silvestrii</i> lacks key morphological features that are of paramount importance for species identification. <i>Carulaspissilvestrii</i> type specimens also remain undiscovered, suggesting a potential loss of taxon information. This study provides a detailed redescription of <i>C.silvestrii</i>, including drawings, SEM images and neotype designation for taxonomic stability. For the first time, molecular characterization of <i>C.silvestrii</i> was made using a partial 28S ribosomal gene. In addition, a morphological key for distinguishing species of <i>Carulaspis</i> is provided to aid the scientific community in taxonomic and identification endeavors.