Phoenicococcus marlatti

Cockerell, 1899

red date scale

marlatti, commonly known as the red date , is a in the Phoenicoccidae. It is recognized as the most important pest of date palm (Phoenix dactylifera), causing significant agricultural damage requiring management intervention. The has a broad distribution across date palmgrowing regions worldwide, including North Africa, the Middle East, Mediterranean Europe, and parts of the Americas.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Phoenicococcus marlatti: /ˌfiːnɪkoʊˈkɒkəs mɑːrˈlætaɪ/

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Habitat

Associated with date palm ; females have been observed at the base of fronds of date palms.

Distribution

Algeria, Brazil (São Paulo), China, Egypt, France, Greece (Crete Island - first recorded 2013), Iran, Iraq, Israel, Italy (including Sicily), Japan, Libya, Madeira Islands, Morocco, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Tunisia, United States of America.

Diet

Phloemfeeding on date palms.

Host Associations

  • Phoenix dactylifera - primary date palm - sole confirmed in available sources
  • Phoenix spp. - broader Phoenix association cited in literature

Ecological Role

Major agricultural pest of date palms; cause damage requiring management intervention.

Human Relevance

Significant economic pest in date palm ; subject to management and control efforts in affected regions.

Tags

Sources and further reading