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Pityococcus rugulosus lifecycle
0. Introduction (this set)
1. Egg

This is the first image of the first linked set of a series of sets documenting the life cycle of Pityococcus rugulosus, based on specimens collected from the pair of two-needle pinyon trees (Pinus edulis) shown in this introductory set. They are on Embudito Trl. (No. 192) at 6983 ft elevation in the Sandia Crest 7.5’ quadrangle, Sandia Mountains, Bernalillo Co., NM.

This is the second population of P. rugulosus that I have found. The first population (identified as such by Ian Stocks) was in a residential front yard in Albuquerque. It appears to no longer exist on that tree. I identified the subject second population by comparing ventral views of (contrast enhanced) HMDS(1) treated adult females from the first and second population. It is located in a wilderness area, establishing its presents there. Only the adult female of the species has heretofore been described(2), based on a single population in AZ. I have not found a third population, despite significant searching. The two trees shown in this linked set have interpenetrating branches and are referred to interchangeably. They are isolated from other pinyons by several meters. The population is confined to these two trees. Note from the 2'nd image that they are next to a wash that runs down the canyon wall. The trees get extra water from runoff, therefore.

Each linked set subsequent to this one focuses on one stage of development of one or both sexes. I define a new "stage" here broadly as resulting from a hatching, eclosure, molt, or simply a change between mobile and immobile states. Including this one, the image sets are:

Both sexes:
0. Introduction
1. Egg
2. Hatchling crawler
3. First stage quiescent larva
4. Second stage quiescent larva

Male only:
5m. Immature male crawler
6m. Prepupa
7m. Pupa
8m. Adult male

Female only:
5f. Female cyst
6f. Quiescent adult female
7f. Adult female crawler
8f. Nesting female

Both sexes:
9. Dead host trees

Stages here exclusive to the male or female are identify by "m" or "f", respectively, after the number ordering their appearance. The first image of each linked set contains the main discussion for the stage. The host trees were found dead in 2020, so this is included as their final "stage". The stages may be accessed by clicking their names above, or via their thumbnail links below: