Use of molecular tools for the identification of males of some scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccoidea), in pheromone traps used for monitoring and comparison with females

Abstract

Species from Pseudococcidae family were studied. It was determined that the dry males of Planococcus citri, and Pseudococcus comstocki, collected by pheromone traps could be useful for the molecular analyses too. The ITS-2 sequences of males and females in case of Pl.citri, Planococcus ficus and Ps. comstocki were identical. This molecular method could differentiate the two mealybug species and this method can be useful to have idea specimens collected by pheromone traps.

Keywords

• Planococcus citri, Planococcus ficus, Pseudococcus comstocki, male, pheromone trapping, climate change.