Crypticerya genistae
(Hempel, 1912)
Genista Giant Scale Insect, fluted scale, channeled mealybug
Crypticerya genistae is a giant in the tribe Iceryini, to South America and accidentally to Florida by 2005, the Cayman Islands by 2006, Ecuador, and Peru. females produce a distinctive large fluted measuring 17–19 mm. The has been recorded on at least eleven species, primarily in the Fabaceae, and appears to prefer herbaceous plants and shrubs over trees. It is considered an pest in urban green areas and poses potential risks to agricultural including Cajanus cajan (pigeon pea).
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Crypticerya genistae: //ˌkrɪptɪˈsɛriə dʒəˈnɪstiː//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from the widespread (Icerya purchasi) by its substantially larger (17–19 mm vs. smaller). Distinguished from congeneric Crypticerya multicicatrices by preference (herbaceous plants and shrubs vs. trees) and by ovisac . Very similar to Icerya rileyi and Icerya littoralis; precise identification may require expert examination. The large, or parallel-held fluted ovisac with longitudinal grooves is the field characteristic.
Images
Appearance
female has a light orange body with black legs. The most distinctive feature is a large fluted measuring 0.66–0.75 inches (17–19 mm), held either or parallel to the . The ovisac has longitudinal channels or grooves, giving the group its 'fluted ' or 'channeled '.
Habitat
Urban green areas and agricultural . Appears to prefer shrubs and herbaceous plants over trees. Found on ornamental plants in urban environments and on food in agricultural settings.
Distribution
to South America (including Brazil). to: Florida, USA (by 2005); Cayman Islands (by 2006); Guayas Province, Ecuador (first record, ); Tumbes region, Peru (first record). Distribution in the New World is expanding.
Diet
Sap-sucking ; phloem feeder. Specific feeding mechanism not detailed beyond general biology.
Host Associations
- Libidibia glabrata - Fabaceae; young tree, Tumbes, Peru
- Neptunia - Fabaceae; herbaceous , level identification, Tumbes, Peru
- Cajanus cajan - Fabaceae; pigeon pea, food , Tumbes, Peru; poses risk
- ornamental plants - various in urban green areas, Guayas Province, Ecuador; eleven new records documented
Life Cycle
involves production of with longitudinal channels or grooves. Specific details of production, nymphal stages, and development not provided in sources.
Behavior
held either or parallel to the . Causes in urban green areas. Associated with , yellowing of leaves, and in some cases tree dieback when are severe.
Ecological Role
Herbivorous pest; heavy associated with growth (likely due to ), leaf yellowing, and dieback. Potential to alter local and adaptive in newly invaded regions, though this has been hypothesized rather than demonstrated.
Human Relevance
in urban green areas and agricultural systems. Considered a serious pest in urban green areas of Ecuador. Poses risk to local agriculture, particularly for food such as Cajanus cajan (pigeon pea). Management strategies for control have been discussed in the literature.
Similar Taxa
- Icerya purchasiSimilar light orange body, black legs, and fluted ; distinguished by smaller ovisac size
- Icerya rileyiVery similar appearance; precise distinction unclear from available sources
- Icerya littoralisVery similar appearance; precise distinction unclear from available sources
- Crypticerya multicicatricesCo-occurring fluted ; distinguished by preference for trees vs. herbaceous plants/shrubs, and different
More Details
Ovisac terminology
The 'fluted ' refers to the longitudinal flutes or grooves on the . The alternative common name 'channeled ' similarly refers to longitudinal channels or grooves in the ovisacs of that produce them.
Invasive spread pattern
Documented spread from South America to Florida (by 2005), Cayman Islands (by 2006), Ecuador, and Peru suggests ongoing range expansion with potential for further spread. Both Ecuador and Peru records represent first reports for those countries, indicating this is actively expanding its distribution.