First report of Takahashia japonica in Belgium
The string cottony scale Takahashia japonica (Hemiptera: Coccidae) is first recorded from Belgium. During the annual inspection of a tree nursery in the province of Antwerp, signs of infestation (loop shaped ovisacs) of Takahashia japonica were observed on one plot on several Magnolia hybrid trees (‘Susan’), that have been planted at this location for several years. A sample was taken and sent to the National Reference Laboratory (ILVO) and the identity of the insect was confirmed. No official measures have been issued by the NPPO of Belgium, in line with the EU decision for this pest. No significant impact on adult plants is recorded.
The pest status of Takahashia japonica in Belgium is officially declared as: Present: not widely distributed and not under official control.
Sources
NPPO of Belgium (2025-06).