Chrysomphalus aonidum (Linnaeus, 1758), a new alien pest of ornamental plants in the Czech Republic (Hemiptera: Coccoidea: Diaspididae)

Abstract

First records of the alien species Chrysomphalus aonidum (Linnaeus, 1758) (Diaspididae) on ornamental plants in the Czech Republic are described. The species was registered in 2008–2010, on plants of Dracaena reflexa var. angustifolia (sold under the names of Dracaena marginata “Bicolor” and D. marginata “Tricolor”) in garden centres of northern and southern Moravia (Opava, Ostrava, Brno). It was also found on two specimens of the same plant in households (Brno, Ostrava). Chrysomphalus aonidum had been occasionally introduced into the Czech Republic with citrus fruits formerly, but it had not been found on cultivated plants. Basic information on the morphology, diagnostic characters, biology, ecological requirements, host plants, geographical origin and distribution of this species is summarized, based on a review of relevant publications. Diagnostic characters are also figured. Economic importance and possibilities for control of this new pest are discussed.

Keywords

• alien species
• Sternorrhyncha
• armoured scale insects
• houseplants
• plant protection