Prey consumption by the mealybug predator <Emphasis Type="Italic">Spalgis epius</Emphasis> on pink hibiscus mealybug (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Maconellicoccus hirsutus</Emphasis>)

The pink hibiscus mealybug Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is a major pest of economically important crops. The apefly Spalgis epius (Westwood) (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) is a potential predator of various species of mealybugs. Studies of its preying potential and preference for prey stages on M. hirsutus are incomplete. An investigation was undertaken to determine the daily prey consumption and preference for prey stages by different larval instars of S. epius reared on M. hirsutus in the laboratory. During the 8-day larval development period with four larval instars of S. epius, the daily prey consumption increased from the first to the seventh day and decreased on the eighth day prior to the prepupal stage. Generally, there was a significant difference in the prey consumption on different days. The 1st to 4th instar larvae of S. epius consumed, respectively, a mean of 181.3, 679.1, 1770.4 and 4333.0 eggs or 19.1, 67.7, 153.0 and 639.0 nymphs or 2.72, 6.26, 13.8 and 32.1 adults of M. hirsutus. When an S. epius larva was fed on M. hirsutus eggs, nymphs and adults separately, it consumed a mean of 6952.6 eggs, 878.8 nymphs or 53.9 adults during its entire development. A single larva of S. epius consumed 2358.3 eggs, 151.2 nymphs and 34.3 adults of M. hirsutus during its entire development when the prey stages were offered all together. The study revealed that S. epius is a voracious predator of M. hirsutus and thus could be utilized as a potential biological control agent.     

Biological Control of the Hibiscus Mealybug, Maconellicoccus Hirsutus Green (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in the Caribbean

The hibiscus mealybug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus Green, was first reported in the Caribbean in 1994 in Grenada. This was the first record of the insect as a major pest in the New World. By the beginning of 2001, the pest had spread to over 25 territories from Guyana and Venezuela in the South to Bahamas in the North. The pest has also extended its distribution to Central America (Belize) and North America (California, USA). Early attempts to control the pest using pesticides resulted in failure and a classical biological control approach was adopted. Several exotic natural enemies were introduced but control was attributed to Anagyrus kamali Moursi and Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant. In all countries where biological control was implemented, this resulted in success. This paper reviews the remarkable success story. Information is provided on the distribution and factors leading to rapid spread of the pest, its pest status and resultant economic losses, and implementation of the biological control effort.     

First records of two mealybugs,Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green) and Phenacoccus peruvianus Granara de Willink,in Tunisia and the North of Africa

During the summer and autumn of 2014 the mealybugs Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green, 1908) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) and Phenacoccus peruvianus Granara de Willink, 2007 (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) were observed in different localities of Sousse (Tunisia). This is the first record for both of these species in Tunisia and in North Africa. For M. hirsutus, this was also the first record of the species in a Western Mediterranean country. It was observed on Hibiscus rosa‐sinensis (Malvacae). P. peruvianus was collected from Bougainvillea glabra (Nyctaginaceae) and Citharexylum quadrangularis (Verbenacae).     

First record of the papaya mealybug,Paracoccus marginatus Williams & Granara de Willink (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Pseudococcidae), in the Western Palaearctic

The papaya mealybug, Paracoccus marginatus Williams & Granara de Willink (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Pseudococcidae) has been found in Israel for the first time. This is also the first record of this invasive species in the Western Palaearctic region. The mealybug was detected at two locations in Northern Israel and was not accompanied by its principal natural enemies. Paracoccus marginatus is highly polyphagous and may develop large populations in Israel on annona, hibiscus, mulberry, papaya and the invasive weed Parthenium hysterophorus.     

First report of Maconellicoccus hirsutus Green infestation on Jatropha curcas saplings

In December 2009 and May 2010 an insect pest was observed on Jatropha curcas L. (Euphorbiaceae) saplings at the Biomass Farm Site, Banthara, of CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow, India. On the basis of morphology of the insect pest and symptoms caused on its host, it was identified as Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green) (Homoptera: Coccoidae: Pseudococcidae) synonym Phenacoccus hirsutus Green. This is the first report of the occurrence of M. hirsutus infestation on J. curcas.     

Note: The solanum mealybug,Phenacoccus solani ferris (Hemiptera: Coccoidea: Pseudococcidae), extends its distribution range in the mediterranean basin

The Solanum mealybug,Phenacoccus solani Ferris (Hemiptera: Coccoidea: Pseudococcidae), is newly recorded from Israel, where it was found on the Coastal Plain and in the Arava Valley, on plants belonging to the families Amaryllidaceae, Compositae and Solanaceae. http://www.phytoparasitica.org posting Nov. 25, 2004.     

Susceptibility of avocado varieties to the long-tailed mealybug,Pseudococcus longispinus (Targioni Tozzetti) (Homoptera: pseudococcidae), and a survey of its host plants in Israel

The common avocado varieties grown in Israel can be graded in descending order of susceptibility to the long-tailed mealybug,Pseudococcus longispinus (Targioni Tozzetti), as follows: Hass, Nabal, Fuerte, Ettinger. The long-tailed mealybug was recorded in Israel on 36 host-plants belonging to 29 different botanical families.     

Establishment of the pineapple mealybug Dysmicoccus brevipes (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in Italy

The establishment of the pineapple mealybug Dysmicoccus brevipes (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in Italy is reported in this paper. The different instars of the mealybug found during winter in Sicily on the aerial roots of adult date palms (Phoenix dactylifera L.), suggests that D. brevipes has a strong capability to survive and continue its development even under cold temperatures. The establishment of this mealybug in Sicily could represent a serious threat for vineyards, considering the damage observed in South America to the ‘Italia’ grape variety, one of the most widely cultivated table grapes in the island. The application of control strategies should probably be considered.     

Predatory potential of eleven native Moroccan adult ladybird species on different stages of Dactylopius opuntiae (Cockerell) (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae)

Dactylopius opuntiae is an insect pest of cactus which is currently causing severe damage to cactus crops in Morocco. It was first observed in 2014 in the Sidi Bennour region 120 km northwest of Marrakech, and has spread very quickly to destroy the prickly pear cactus crops (Opuntia ficus‐indica (L.) Miller) in several regions of country, causing very heavy economic losses. To control this pest, the predatory potential of eleven species of native Moroccan ladybird predators was investigated under laboratory conditions at 26 ± 2°C, 60 ± 10% RH and a 12 h light:12 h dark regime. The experiments were conducted in no‐choice feeding tests (only eggs, first instar or second instar of mealybugs were offered at one time) and free‐choice feeding tests (eggs and first and second instar larvae were offered simultaneously). In the no‐choice feeding tests, Exochomus nigripennis, Chilocorus bipustulatus and Chilocorus politus consumed the highest mean number of mealybug eggs and first instars, and the highest mean number of second instars was consumed by Hippodamia convergens. In the free‐choice feeding tests the highest mean number of mealybug eggs was eaten by Chilocorus bipustulatus and Chilocorus politus and Hippodamia convergens consumed the highest mean number of first and second instars of the mealybug.     

First record of cotton mealybug,Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley 1898 (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), from Saudi Arabia

The cotton mealybug, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley 1898 (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), is recorded from Saudi Arabia for the first time. This species was collected from heavily infested Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. (Malvaceae) from the city of At-Taif in the south-western part of the Arabian Peninsula. In addition, the mealybug Ferrisia virgata (Cockerell, 1893), previously recorded in Saudi Arabia, was found on Plumeria rubra L. (Apocynaceae) and on Dodonaea viscosa Jacq. (Sapindaceae). Slide mounts were prepared and voucher specimens were preserved at the University of Jordan Insects Museum. Further surveys should be initiated to investigate the distribution and hosts of P. solenopsis in Saudi Arabia.     

Phenacoccus madeirensis Green, 1923 (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae) on Ocimum basilicum: a new geographical record for Greece

In Greece, Phenacoccus madeirensis Green, 1923 (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae) was identified for the first time in June 2010 in the regions of Thessaloniki, Xanthi and Kavala (Northern Greece). This mealybug was found on sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum). The highest population densities were observed on basil stems rather than on the leaves. Phenacoccus madeirensis is a serious pest of horticultural crops and this is its first record on O. basilicum in Greece.     

First record of the Madeira mealybug,Phenacoccus madeirensis Green (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), in Jordan

The Madeira mealybug, Phenacoccus madeirensis (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), is recorded from Jordan for the first time. Specimens were collected from heavily infested ornamental geranium plants, Pelargonium sp. (Geraniaceae), Chrysanthemum sp. (Asteroideae), Hibiscus rosa‐sinensis L. (Malvaceae), Kalanchoe blossfeldiana Poellnitz (Crassulaceae) and basil, Ocimum basilicum L. (Lamiaceae). In addition, this mealybug was taken from infested leaves of cherry tomato, Solanum lycopersicum L., and sweet pepper, Capsicum annuum L. (Solanaceae). Kalanchoe blossfeldiana is recorded as a new host for P. madeirensis. Slide mounts were prepared, and voucher specimens were preserved at the University of Jordan Insect Museum. An urgent survey should be initiated to determine the current distribution of the pest in Jordan. Inspection of ornamental nurseries should be given priority and plant protection officials should pay particular attention to this serious pest.     

Natural enemies of the invasive mealybug Phenacoccus peruvianus (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae): first report of some parasitoids in Italy

The bougainvillea mealybug, Phenacoccus peruvianus Granara de Willink (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), was first detected in Sicily in 2002 at high population levels on Bougainvillea glabra Choisy (Nyctaginaceae). In 2016, during a recent monitoring activity, natural enemies of this pest were detected for the first time. This report represents the first identification of P. peruvianus parasitoids in Italy and some information on the recovered entomophagous species is provided.     

Molecular and morphological identification of the mealybug,Phenacoccus solani Ferris (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae): first report in Egypt

During the summer and autumn of 2016, pumpkins, Cucurbita spp. (Cucurbitaceae), were observed to be infested by mealybug species. Populations were collected on various pumpkin fruits from Rosetta, a port city at the North‐Western Nile River delta, Lower Egypt. This study aimed to identify the principle mealybug species infesting the major pumpkin‐producing regions in Egypt, by molecular and morphological characterization. DNA from 15 specimens and morphological data from 22 specimens were used to confirm the identity of the mealybug species. The species present were identified as Phenacoccus solani Ferris, Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley, and Planococcus citri (Risso). This is the first record of Phenacoccus solani Ferris (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in Egypt.     

The cotton mealybug, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Phenacoccus solenopsis</Emphasis> Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in Israel: pest status,host plants and natural enemies

In Israel, the cotton mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley, an invasive scale insect, was reported for the first time in the Jordan Valley in 2008 on basil (Ocimum basilicum) and bell pepper (Capsicum annuum). This mealybug is highly polyphagous with economic and environmental impacts. Since then, Ph. solenopsis has spread to almost every region of Israel and developed high populations on several ornamental plants, mainly Hibiscus sp. (Malvaceae) and Lantana sp. (Verbenaceae). It has become a pest in greenhouses, mainly on bell pepper, tomato, and eggplant (Solanaceae) and a serious threat in cotton fields. Fourteen species of insect natural enemies have been found in association with Ph. solenopsis in Israel the common ones were: Aenasius arizonensis (Girault) (Hym. Encyrtidae), Cheilomenes propinqua (Mulsant), Hyperaspis vinciguerrae (Capra); H. polita Weise, Exochomus nigripennis (Erichson), Parascymnus varius Kirsch and Scymnus flagellisiphonatus (Fursch) (Col., Coccinellidae). To date, the population density of Ph. solenopsis in Israel is steeply decreasing in most regions of Israel due to the activity of A. arizonensis. An identification key to distinguish between adult females of the eight species belonging to the genus Phenacoccus in Israel is also provided.     

First record of the mealybug Phenacoccus madeirensis Green, 1923 (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Pseudococcidae) in Algeria

The mealybug Phenacoccus madeirensis Green (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Pseudococcidae) is recorded from Algeria for the first time. This pest was first detected in the summer of 2018 in private gardens in Salamandre, on the coastal side of Mostaganem City in north‐western Algeria, feeding on three ornamental plants: Hibiscus rosa‐sinensis L., Hibiscus syriacus L. (Malvaceae) and Cestrum nocturnum L. (Solanaceae). In October 2018, it was also found on Aloysia citriodora Palàu (Verbenaceae) growing near Hibiscus. The first samples collected had been attacked by hymenopteran parasitoids. Surveys of ornamental nurseries and greenhouses growing vegetables in the area indicate that, at present, P. madeirensis seems to be restricted to ornamental plants. More surveys over larger areas are needed to determine its distribution and the likely origin of its introduction to Algeria.     

First report of the papaya mealybug,Paracoccus marginatus (Coccomorpha: Pseudococcidae), in Tahiti,French Polynesia

The papaya mealybug, Paracoccus marginatus Williams and Granara de Willing (Coccomorpha: Pseudococcidae), is a polyphagous pest that damages many tropical crops. It is native to Central America and spread to the Caribbean region and South America in the 1900s. Since then, it has accidentally been introduced to several islands in the Pacific region and some countries in Africa and Asia. The first record of this mealybug in Polynesia was in Hawaii, in 2004. This paper presents the first report of this pest in Tahiti (French Polynesia), where it was found in March 2017 on papaya (Carica papaya) and frangipani trees (Plumeria spp.). Its presence, which is mainly in the inhabited part of the island of Tahiti, suggests the recent introduction of the pest in French Polynesia. Several coccinellid predators have been found feeding on the mealybug in Tahiti: Cryptolaemus montrouzieri, Hyperaspis pantherina and Scymnus spp. None of its parasitoids have been found yet.     

New records of mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) from Spain

Five mealybug (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) species were identified as new records for Spain: Phenacoccus madeirensis (Green), Phenacoccus solani Ferris, Dysmicoccus boninsis (Kuwana), Hypogeococcus pungens Granara de Willink and Ferrisia malvastra (McDaniel).     

Biological control of the prickly pear cochineal Dactylopius opuntiae Cockerell (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae)

The prickly pear cochineal Dactylopius opuntiae Cockerell (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae) is a serious pest that causes severe damage to prickly pear cactus species of the genus Opuntia. Before its introduction to Morocco no control methods were available for use against this pest. The current paper presents the results of the use for the first time of the mealybug destroyer Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and the biopesticide d ‐limonene to control D. opuntiae. The efficacy of the biopesticide was evaluated under field conditions. Corrected female mortality rates were >82% 6 days after application of d ‐limonene at 60 ppm. The greatest mortality rates 6 days after treatment were 98% and 99% at 120 and 150 ppm, respectively. The data analysis showed that there was no significant difference between the different doses 6 or 13 days after treatment. The LD₅₀ recorded was 33 ppm. In terms of biological control, the use of Cryptolaemus montrouzieri significantly reduced the cochineal scale population by 92% 77 days after release. This effect was maintained until 99 days after release of C. montrouzieri, and then the rate of population reduction declined to the level observed 64 days after release (66%). These results suggest that C. montrouzieri has the potential to suppress D. opuntiae populations to an acceptable level and reduce the damage caused by this cochineal.     

New record of invasive mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in Turkey

This short note reports the first record of the invasive mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in Turkey. It was found on ornamental plants in the city center of Adana (Mediterranean region), but could be a threat to cotton production in the country.