Invasion of Paratachardina lobata lobata (Hemiptera: Kerriidae) in South Florida: a snapshot sample of an infestation in a residential yard.
Pemberton R. W.
Author Affiliation: Invasive Plant Research Laboratory, USDA-ARS, 3205 College Ave, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33314, USA.
Florida Entomologist 86 : 373-377
Abstract : A recent insect invader in South Florida, USA, the lobate lac scale (Paratachardina lobata lobata) attacked 55% (37/67) of the plant species in 63% (19/30) families at a sampled site. Many important plants in southern Florida were attacked including: tropical fruits, i.e. grapefruit, mango, lychee and sugar apple; native plants, i.e. wild coffee (Psychotria nervosa), laurel oak (Quercus laurifolia) and wax myrtle (Myrica cerifera); and important landscape trees and shrubs, i.e. black olive (Bucida buceras), hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis), Surinam cherry (Eugenia uniflora) and gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides). Some plants, such as wax myrtle, are killed by the scale. Research to develop control methods is urgently needed.