Aspidiotus

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Aspidiotus: //ˌæspɪdiˈoʊtəs//

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Summary

Aspidiotus is a genus of armoured scale insects that includes significant agricultural pests. They are particularly known for causing damage to coconut trees and other crops through their feeding activities.

Physical Characteristics

Armoured scale insects with a protective covering that resembles a small shell or plate.

Identification Tips

Identification can be based on morphological features such as the shape and arrangement of scale coverings on their bodies.

Habitat

Live inside the fungal tissues of Septobasidium species, which are often found on trees.

Distribution

Species like A. nerii have a worldwide distribution, while other species may be more localized.

Diet

Feed on plant sap by piercing the plant tissues with their mouthparts.

Life Cycle

Life cycle stages include egg, nymph, and adult with nymphs often being the most damaging to host plants.

Reproduction

Reproduce via sexual reproduction with females typically laying eggs beneath their protective scales.

Ecosystem Role

Serve as pests in agricultural and horticultural contexts, affecting the health of host plants.

Economic Impact

Several species of Aspidiotus are recognized as agricultural and horticultural pests, impacting crop yields and quality.

Collecting Methods

• Handpicking from infested plants
• Use of sticky traps

Preservation Methods

• Ethanol preservation
• Drying specimens

Similar Taxa

• Diaspididae
• Scale insects

Misconceptions

Often confused with harmless insects due to their small size; can be mistaken for fungal growths on host plants.

Tags

• scale insects
• Aspidiotus
• pests
• agricultural significance