Icerya

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Suborder: Sternorrhyncha
Superfamily: Coccoidea
Family: Monophlebidae
Genus: Icerya

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Icerya: //aɪˈsɪəriə//

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Summary

Icerya purchasi, also known as cottony cushion scale, is a significant pest affecting citrus crops, originating from Australia and now found worldwide. Its life cycle involves complex reproductive strategies and it is notable for the dual biological control measures implemented against it.

Physical Characteristics

Mature hermaphrodite is oval in shape, reddish-brown with black hairs, about 5 mm long.

Identification Tips

The presence of a white egg sac in grooves, which can grow to be two to three times as long as the body, along with the waxy secretions.

Habitat

Infests twigs and branches of woody plants, especially in agricultural settings such as citrus orchards.

Distribution

Found worldwide where citrus crops are grown, originating from Australia.

Diet

Sucks sap from more than 80 families of woody plants, primarily Citrus and Pittosporum.

Life Cycle

The life cycle is highly temperature-dependent; durations in each life stage vary with temperature. Newly hatched nymphs disperse by wind or crawling and cause damage to primary feeding sites.

Reproduction

Females are hermaphroditic with an ovitestis that produces both sperm and oocytes. Self-fertilization produces hermaphrodites; mating with males produces both males and hermaphrodites. Males are rare.

Predators

Biological control agents include the vedalia ladybird (Novius cardinalis) and the parasitic fly Cryptochetum iceryae.

Ecosystem Role

Plays a significant role in the ecosystem as a pest that can affect the health of host plants while also serving as a food source for predators.

Economic Impact

Considered a destructive pest of the citrus industry; significant economic impact led to biological control efforts.

Collecting Methods

Visual inspection on affected plants
Sampling with a beating sheet to catch nymphs during dispersal

Preservation Methods

Alcohol preservation for specimens
Drying specimens for collection

Evolution

Hermaphroditic reproduction suggests adaptive strategies to maximize reproductive success in environments where males are scarce.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

While commonly referred to as a scale insect, their hermaphroditic nature and life cycle can be misunderstood regarding their population dynamics.