Chrysomphalus aonidum

Definition

A polyphagous armored scale insect (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) native to the Old World but now cosmopolitan in tropical and subtropical regions, recognized by the circular, dark brown to black protective cover (test) secreted by adult females. The species is a significant pest of citrus and other woody crops, with feeding damage causing chlorosis, defoliation, and fruit blemish; the common name "Florida red scale" reflects its historical prominence in Florida citrus groves, though the epithet is misleading as the cover is typically dark.

Etymology

From Greek chrysos (gold) + omphalos (navel), referring to the central exuviae on the scale cover; aonidum of uncertain derivation, possibly from Aonides, a nymph in Greek mythology

Example

Heavy infestations of Chrysomphalus aonidum on grapefruit trees in the Indian River citrus district require integrated management combining horticultural oil applications and releases of the parasitoid wasp Aphytis holoxanthus.

Synonyms

• Florida red scale
• circular black scale
• Egyptian black scale
• citrus black scale

Related Terms

• Diaspididae
• armored scale
• test
• Aonidiella aurantii
• scale insect
• Integrated Pest Management
• Aphytis

Usage Notes

The common name "Florida red scale" is entrenched in North American literature but taxonomically misleading; the species is not restricted to Florida and the female test is dark, not red. The name "circular black scale" better describes the morphology. Distinguish from the congeneric Chrysomphalus dictyospermi and from Aonidiella aurantii (California red scale), which has a smaller, more flexible test. The species epithet is sometimes misspelled "aonidium" in older literature.