Poliaspis cycadis: a new cycad scale found in Florida (US)
In 2007-05-02, a new cycad scale, Poliaspis cycadis (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), was recorded for the first time in Miami-Dade county, Florida (US) on Dioon sp. (Cycadaceae). Poliaspis cycadis is morphologically very similar to Pseudaulacaspis cockerelli and Aulacaspis yasumatsui (EPPO Alert List). Data is lacking on the biology of P. cycadis and its economic impact. In the USA, its presence was recorded in 1883 from cycads (Cioon edule, Cycas revoluta) and Microsemia sp. (Brassicaceae) in Washington (District of Columbia). The scale was not reported again until 1993, when it was found in a private collection of cycads in California. Although data is lacking on its geographical distribution, P. cycadis is thought to originate from Asia. So far, P. cycadis has been recorded in India and in the United Kingdom.
Sources
DOACS (Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services). Pest Alert. The Poliaspis cycad scale Poliaspis cycadis Comstock (Hemiptera: Diaspididae): A new exotic scale insect for Florida. http://www.doacs.state.fl.us/pi/enpp/ento/poliapsis_cycadis.html