Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2019
Keywords
Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae, Hemiptera, Eriococcidae
Abstract
Crapemyrtle bark scale, Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae (Hemiptera: Eriococcidae), is an invasive pest of crapemyrtle (Lagerstroemia spp.) that has expanded its range across the southeastern United States since its initial detection in 2004. Although previously considered host-specific to crapemyrtle in the United States, limited reports have suggested a broader host range. In 2018, infestations of scale insects were observed on Hypericum kalmianum (‘Blue Velvet’) at the Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Virginia Beach, VA. Morphological identification and mitochondrial COI DNA sequencing confirmed the specimens as A. lagerstroemiae, with 99.5% sequence similarity to published GenBank records. Approximately 20% of the Hypericum planting exhibited dieback and sooty mold associated with scale infestations. This finding documents H. kalmianum as a new host of crapemyrtle bark scale in the United States and suggests that the pest’s potential host range may be broader than previously recognized. Recognition of alternate hosts is critical for scouting, regulatory considerations, and development of integrated pest management strategies for this invasive species.
Citation
Schultz, Peter B., and Allen L. Szalanski. "Hypericum kalmianum (St. Johnswort) confirmed as a new host of the crapemyrtle bark scale in Virginia, USA." Journal of Agricultural and Urban Entomology 35, no. 1 (2019): 12-14.
