First Report of the Lanzones Scale Insect, Unaspis mabilis Lit & Barbecho (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), Infesting Cacao, Theobroma cacao L. [RESEARCH NOTE]

Authors

Ireneo L. Lit Jr., Entomology Section, Museum of Natural History and Environmental Biology Division, Institute of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of the Philippines Los BañosFollow
Barbara L. Caoili, University of the Philippines Los BanosFollow
Merdelyn T. Caasi-Lit, University of the Philippines Los BanosFollow
Cristian C. Lucanas, Museum of Natural History, University of the Philippines Los BañosFollow
Kristine O. Abenis, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, 4031 Laguna, PhilippinesFollow
Vanessa Kate I. Alvarez, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, 4031 Laguna, Philippines
Romnick A. Latina, University of the Philippines Los Baños, College, 4031 Laguna, PhilippinesFollow

Publication Date

6-30-2021

Abstract

The lanzones scale insect, Unaspis mabilis Lit & Barbecho (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), is reported to infest cacao trees (Theobroma cacao) in Brgy. Nalook, Kalibo, Aklan. Despite minor morphological differences, analysis of DNA barcode region of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) generated from the cacao-infesting scale insects (GenBank Accession Number MN114100.1) matched the DNA barcodes obtained from a complementary study (GenBank Accession Number MN114099), and hence, supported the species identity based on morphological characters. Notes on the distribution, host plant association and insights on possible control measures were provided.

Recommended Citation

Lit, Ireneo L. Jr.; Caoili, Barbara L.; Caasi-Lit, Merdelyn T.; Lucanas, Cristian C.; Abenis, Kristine O.; Alvarez, Vanessa Kate I.; and Latina, Romnick A. (2021) "First Report of the Lanzones Scale Insect, Unaspis mabilis Lit & Barbecho (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), Infesting Cacao, Theobroma cacao L. [RESEARCH NOTE]," The Philippine Agricultural Scientist: Vol. 104: No. 2, Article 4.
Available at: https://www.ukdr.uplb.edu.ph/pas/vol104/iss2/4