Hemiberlesia rapax
Hemiberlesia rapax
| Greedy Scale | |
|---|---|
| Type: | Insect |
| Binomial: | Hemiberlesia rapax |
| Family: | Diaspididae |
| Order: | Hemiptera |
| Metamorphosis: | Simple |
Greedy Scale is a scale insect with a wide range of hosts. Its origin is uncertain, but it has become an invasive species in many parts of the world.
Description
editSmall, grayish-white armored scales, generally found in large colonies.
Symptoms and Signs
editSevere infestations cause wilting, distortion, and the death of the host plant.
Ecology
editFemales do not produce wings, crawlers are spread mechanically or by wind.
Host plants
editGreedy scale feeds on hundreds of species, including (but not limited to) species in the following genera:
- Abelia
- Acacia
- Bamboos
- Buxus (Boxwood)
- Camellia
- Ceanothus
- Cedrus (Cedar)
- Celtis (Hackberry)
- Cercis (Redbud)
- Diospyros
- Eleagnus
- Erica (Heath)
- Euonymus
- Ficus (Fig)
- Fuchia
- Geranium
- Hedera (Ivy)
- Ilex (Holly)
- Ipomoea
- Juglans (Walnut)
- Juniperus (Juniper)
- Laurus (Laurel)
- Ligustrum (Privet)
- Lonicera (Honeysuckle)
- Magnolia
- Mahonia (Grape-holly)
- Malus (Apple)
- Morus (Mulberry)
- Myrtus
- Olea (Olive)
- Persea (Avocado)
- Plumeria
- Prunus (Stone Fruits)
- Pyracantha (Firethorn)
- Pyrus (Pear)
- Quercus (Oak)
- Rhododendron (Rhododendron, Azalea)
- Robinia (Locust)
- Rosa (Rose)
- Salix (Willow)
- Salvia (Sage)
- Sedum (Rockcress)
- Ulmus (Elm)
- Vaccinium (Blueberry)
- Vitis (Grape)
Control
edit- Physical removal: Scrubbing
- Biocontrols (microscopic): Ladybugs, Parasitic Wasps