Lepidosaphes

Shimer, 1868

armored scale insects

Lepidosaphes is a large of () with at least 190 described distributed worldwide. Species in this genus are pests of , particularly fruit trees and ornamentals. Several species, including L. beckii and L. ulmi, are significant agricultural pests. Members of this genus are for various , notably species of Aphytis (), which are used in programs.

Lepidosaphes by (c) Steven Lamonde, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Steven Lamonde. Used under a CC-BY license.

Lepidosaphes by (c) Katja Schulz, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Lepidosaphes: /ˌlɛpɪdoʊˈseɪfiːz/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Habitat

in this inhabit orchards and cultivated landscapes where their plants occur. Specific documented include citrus orchards, guava orchards, olive groves, and mango plantations.

Distribution

Worldwide. Documented occurrences span Europe (including Mediterranean regions), Asia, Africa, Australasia and Pacific Islands, North America, Central America and West Indies, and South America. Specific records exist from Egypt, Greece, Algeria, and numerous other countries across all major biogeographic regions.

Seasonality

show seasonal fluctuations with multiple peaks annually. In Egypt, L. beckii exhibited two peaks per year on citrus: November and July in one season, October and June in the next. L. gloverii completed three overlapping from April to August in Greece. Activity patterns correlate with temperature and humidity conditions.

Diet

; feeds on sap. Documented plants include Citrus , guava (Psidium guajava), olive (Olea europaea), mango, apple, pear, figs (Ficus), and various ornamental trees and shrubs.

Life Cycle

Female in L. gloverii ranged from 32 to 57 . Multiple overlapping per year occur in warmer climates. Specific developmental details vary by and location.

Behavior

Sedentary as ; females produce protective waxy coverings (tests) and remain fixed on plants. Seasonal fluctuations observed, with influenced by temperature, humidity, and activity.

Ecological Role

Agricultural pests of fruit trees and ornamentals. Serve as for (Aphytis spp.) and predatory (Chilocorus bipustulatus, Rhyzobius lophanthae), forming part of managed systems.

Human Relevance

Several are economically significant pests. L. beckii (, citrus mussel ) damages citrus, olives, and figs. L. ulmi (oystershell scale) affects deciduous tree fruits and ornamentals. L. gloverii (Glover's scale) infests citrus. L. tapleyi is a destructive pest of guava. Management relies on using and , with Aphytis lepidosaphes being a agent.