Carulaspis

MacGillivray, 1921

Carulaspis is a of armored scale insects in the Diaspididae, comprising six recognized . The genus is associated with coniferous in the orders Pinidae and Magnoliidae, particularly junipers (Juniperus spp.). Carulaspis juniperi is a documented pest causing significant damage to ornamental and landscape juniper plantings, including growth reduction, needle , and branch death. Species occur in Europe and have been introduced to other regions including New Zealand.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Carulaspis: /kæˈruːlæspɪs/

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Identification

Carulaspis are distinguished by morphological features of the female cover and body structure. A morphological key to all six species has been published, incorporating characters such as scale cover shape and pygidial . Carulaspis silvestrii was redescribed with neotype designation to resolve taxonomic instability from the loss of original .

Habitat

Associated with coniferous plants in Cupressaceae and Taxodiaceae. Carulaspis juniperi occurs on twigs, needles, and cones of juniper plants.

Distribution

Native to Europe. Carulaspis juniperi recorded in New Zealand (all South Island localities). GBIF records from Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.

Seasonality

Carulaspis juniperi has one per year. Oviposition occurs late April to early May; first instars hatch in May; second instars appear early June; form late June to July.

Diet

Phloem-feeding on coniferous plants. Carulaspis juniperi feeds on Juniperus spp. tissues.

Host Associations

Juniperus - primary Carulaspis juniperi; causes significant pest damage
Cupressocyparis - Carulaspis silvestrii
Pinidae - group-level association
Magnoliidae - group-level association

Life Cycle

Carulaspis juniperi: . Overwinters as fertilized female on branches and needles. Female lays 16–44 . Males die after copulation; fertilized females continue feeding until .

Behavior

Sedentary as ; females remain permanently attached to plant. Males are short-lived and die after mating. occurs as fertilized females.

Ecological Role

Herbivore and pest on ornamental and landscape conifers. Aspidiotiphagus citrinus (Aphelinidae) recorded attacking Carulaspis juniperi in New Zealand.

Human Relevance

Carulaspis juniperi is a significant pest in urban and ornamental plantings. Damage includes growth slowdown, needle , premature needle fall, loss of aesthetic value, and plant death. have increased in some regions.

Similar Taxa

AspidiotusBoth are in Diaspididae; distinguished by pygidial and cover structure
DiaspisRelated diaspidid ; Carulaspis have distinct cover and body shape characters

Misconceptions

Previous New Zealand records of Carulaspis visci were misidentifications of Carulaspis juniperi.

More Details

Molecular characterization

Carulaspis silvestrii was characterized using partial 28S ribosomal gene sequence for the first time in 2024.

Taxonomic stability

Neotype designation for Carulaspis silvestrii established taxonomic stability after original were lost.