Lopholeucaspis japonica

(Cockerell, 1897)

Japanese maple scale

Lopholeucaspis japonica is an insect in the Diaspididae, first described by Cockerell in 1897. Native to Asia, it has established across multiple continents including North America, Europe, and Australia. The feeds on woody plants and has been documented on diverse including crapemyrtle, pomegranate, citrus, and various ornamental shrubs. Its invasion has prompted detection efforts and research, particularly regarding associated .

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Lopholeucaspis japonica: /ˌloʊfoʊljuˈkæspɪs dʒəˈpoʊnɪkə/

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

Habitat

Associated with woody ornamental plants and fruit trees; documented on crapemyrtle (Lagerstroemia), pomegranate, citrus, privet, and euonymus in invaded ranges.

Distribution

Native to Asia: Japan, China, Korea, Taiwan, India, Iran, Pakistan, Georgia, Azerbaijan. Introduced to: United States (Texas, Tennessee, Connecticut, Maryland), Australia, Italy, Russia, Slovakia, Ukraine, Brazil, Congo, Germany, Greece, United Kingdom, Afghanistan, Turkey, Nepal.

Host Associations

  • Lagerstroemia L. - plantcrapemyrtle trees in central Texas
  • pomegranate - plantnew record from Gujarat, India
  • Citrus spp. - plantprimary in native range
  • privet - plantdocumented in Tennessee nursery
  • euonymus - plantdocumented in Tennessee nursery
  • Marlattiella prima Howard - aphelinid ; not recovered in absence of L. japonica
  • Pteroptrix chinensis - first Tennessee record
  • Aphytis hispanicus - first Tennessee record

Ecological Role

pest of woody ornamentals and fruit trees; serves as for multiple that may contribute to .

Human Relevance

Economic pest of nursery stock, fruit trees, and landscape ornamentals; subject to detection and management efforts in North America and elsewhere.

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Sources and further reading