Expansion of local geographic and host ranges of Nipaecoccus nipae (Maskell) (Pseudococcidae, Hemiptera) in the Philippines with new records of predators and attending ants

Issue Date

4-2012

Abstract

The local geographical distribution of the buff coconut mealybug (BCM), Nipaecoccus nipae (Maskell) (Pseudococcide, Hemiptera) has widened since its initial invasion of Luzon island in the early 2000s, being now known to occur in other islands and provinces of the Philippines. Surveys were conducted in several regions by initially inspecting known hosts of BCM and other plants. Sample of BCM and of host plants were collected, the latter identified to species. Seventeen (17) plant species belonging to 12 families are recorded as a new host of BCM, bringing its total know host plants in the Philippines to 71 species in 20 families. An updated host list was prepared to include all local plants that serve as hosts of this invasive species. New associated organisms are also reported for the for the first time. These include larvae of the green lacewing. Mallada basalis (Walker) (Chrysopidae, Neuroptera) and the brown lacewing. Micromus igorotus Banks (Hemerobidae, Neuroptera) that have been observed to prey on nymphs and adults, the first known locally available natural enemies of BCM. The black ants, Dolichoderus thoracicus (Smith), fire ants, Solenopsis geminata (Jerdon), and crazy ants, Anoplolepis gracilipes (Fabricius) (Formicidae, Hymenoptera), are also now occasionally observed to attend to BCM colonies.

Source or Periodical Title

Philippine Journal of Crop Science

ISSN

0115-463x

Volume

37

Issue

1

Page

47-56

Document Type

Article

Frequency

tri-quarterly

Physical Description

pictures, map,tables

Language

English

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