Scale-insect-parasite
Guides
Blastothrix
Blastothrix is a genus of encyrtid wasps in the family Encyrtidae. The genus includes species that function as parasitoids of scale insects, with Blastothrix sericea being a notable example used in classical biological control. This species was successfully introduced from England to British Columbia in 1928-1929 to manage the lecanium scale (Eulecanium coryli), achieving 90-100% parasitism rates and suppressing host populations within four years.
Cryptochetidae
Cryptochetidae is a small family of minute flies (2–4 mm) in the order Diptera. Adults are typically metallic blue-black with a stout build, broad high head, and clear wings. The family is distinguished by reduced or absent aristae on the antennae, a trait reflected in its name meaning 'hidden bristles'. Larvae are endoparasitoids of scale insects (Coccidae), with some species used in biological control. Approximately 20–30 species are known across three genera, primarily distributed in tropical regions.
Cryptochetum
Cryptochetum is a genus of parasitoid flies in the family Cryptochetidae, containing more than 30 described species. These flies are specialized parasites of scale insects (Hemiptera), with at least one species, C. jorgepastori, documented as emerging from mealybugs on palms. The genus has been recorded across multiple regions, including a first record from Jordan in 2022.
Cryptochetum iceryae
cottony cushion scale parasite, cottony cushion scale parasitoid
Cryptochetum iceryae is a parasitic fly in the family Cryptochetidae, native to Australia. It was deliberately introduced to California in the 1880s as a biological control agent against the cottony cushion scale (Icerya purchasi), a major pest of citrus crops. The species has since been introduced to Israel and South America for similar purposes. In 2019, it was discovered in the United Kingdom for the first time, identified in the wildlife garden at the Natural History Museum in London.
biological-controlparasitoidagricultural-pest-managementDipteraCryptochetidaeclassical-biological-controlcitrus-pestinvasive-species-managementAustralia-native1880s-introductionCaliforniaIsraelSouth-AmericaUnited-Kingdom-2019-discoveryNatural-History-Museum-Londonscale-insect-parasiteendoparasitoidIcerya-purchasicottony-cushion-scalesuccessful-biocontrolintegrated-pest-managementvedalia-beetle-complementWilliston-1888Lestophonus-iceryaeDiversinervus
Diversinervus is a genus of encyrtid parasitoid wasps in the tribe Cheiloneurini. The genus comprises approximately twelve species worldwide, including the notable D. elegans, which has been studied for its biological control potential against scale insects. Species in this genus are endoparasitoids, developing within their hosts. The genus was established by Silvestri in 1915 and has been the subject of recent research on venom biochemistry and viral associations.
Euclemensia bassettella
Kermes Scale Moth
Euclemensia bassettella, commonly known as the Kermes Scale Moth, is a small moth in the family Cosmopterigidae. The species was described by James Brackenridge Clemens in 1864. It has a wingspan of 9–14 mm and is found in eastern North America. The moth is notable for its specialized ecological relationship with scale insects on oak trees, with larvae acting as parasites of kermes scales.
Eunotus
Eunotus is a genus of chalcid wasps in the family Eunotidae, first described by Walker in 1834. Most species are parasitoids of scale insects (Coccoidea), including coccid scales, felt scales (Eriococcidae), and mealybugs. The genus has a wide geographic distribution spanning the Palearctic, Nearctic, and Oriental regions, with records from Europe, Asia, and North America. Species exhibit morphological traits typical of the family, including distinctive antennal structure and thoracic sculpture.