First record of two invasive scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Diaspididae & Pseudococcidae) attacking ornamental plants in Iran

Abstract

Two invasive scale insects: Aspidiotus hedericola Leonardi (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Diaspididae) and Planococcus kraunhiae (Kuwana) (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Pseudococcidae) have been recorded for the first time in Iran. Both probably arrived by the ornamental plants without quarantine inspections. The diagnostic characters, the illustrations based on slide-mounted characters and field characters of the adult females are presented. In addition, the dichotomous keys to species of Aspidiotus Bouchéand Planococcus Ferris in Iran are provided.

Keywords

• aspidiotus hedericola
• planococcus kraunhiae
• aceraceae
• acer negundo
• moraceae
• ficus retusa
• iran