Saissetia
Saissetia
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hemiptera
- Suborder: Sternorrhyncha
- Superfamily: Coccoidea
- Family: Coccidae
- Genus: Saissetia
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Saissetia: //ˌsaɪˈsiːʃiə//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
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Summary
Saissetia oleae is a scale insect that primarily infests olive trees but also affects various other plants. It has a global distribution and is known for its significant agricultural impact as a pest.
Physical Characteristics
Adult females are concealed under a dark grey or brownish-black covering that hardens over time. Males are rarely found in most regions.
Identification Tips
Look for dark grey or brownish-black scales on olive trees and other infested plants. The presence of 'crawlers' which emerge from under the scale indicates recent infestations.
Habitat
Commonly found on olive trees, less frequently on citrus trees and various ornamental shrubs.
Distribution
Global distribution, originally may have come from South Africa; serious pest problems noted in the Mediterranean area, California, Florida, and South America.
Diet
Phytophagous, primarily feeds by sucking sap from host plants.
Life Cycle
Breeding is by parthenogenesis, with females laying up to 2,500 eggs in batches. The eggs hatch into mobile nymphs known as 'crawlers'.
Reproduction
Parthenogenetic reproduction is common; males are rarely observed. Females deposit eggs under their scale coverings.
Predators
The parasitic wasp Metaphycus helvolus has been introduced to control Saissetia oleae populations in California.
Ecosystem Role
As a pest, it plays a significant part in the regulation of host plant population in agriculture, impacting olive and citrus crops.
Economic Impact
Considered one of the three main pests of olive trees and an important pest of citrus, leading to economic losses.
Cultural Significance
Significant in Mediterranean agriculture, especially in olive cultivation where it is a major concern for farmers.
Collecting Methods
- Manual removal of scales from host trees
- Sticky traps to capture crawlers
Preservation Methods
- Dry preservation of specimens for study
- Alcohol preservation for detailed examination
Evolution
The evolutionary history includes origins suggesting a link to South African flora and adaptation to global agricultural practices.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Often confused with other scale insects; the male of the species was unknown in Europe for a long time.
Tags
- pest
- scale insect
- agriculture
- olive tree
- citrus pest