Field guide of lebbeck mealybug

Authors: AHMED, MZ - Florida Department Of Agriculture And Consumer Services; DIEPENBROCK, M - University Of Florida; HODGES, G - Florida Department Of Agriculture And Consumer Services; WHILBY, L - Florida Department Of Agriculture And Consumer Services; MILLER, D - Retired ARS Employee; McKenzie, Cindy; OSBORNE, LANCE - University Of Florida

Submitted to: Government Publication/Report
Publication Type: Government Publication
Publication Acceptance Date: 12/1/2019
Publication Date: 12/31/2019
Citation: Ahmed, M., Diepenbrock, M., Hodges, G., Whilby, L., Miller, D., McKenzie, C.L., Osborne, L. 2019. Field guide of lebbeck mealybug. FDACS-P-02117, December 2019, 8 pp. (Government Publication Report)

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The first report of lebbeck mealybug in Florida occurred in 2009 from Palm Beach County on host plant dodder, Cuscuta exaltata. Since then there are 89 records of this species from over 40 host plant species in four counties in Florida (Broward, Martin, Miami Dade, Palm Beach). A decade later on June 14, 2019, a citrus sample with lebbeck mealybug was collected in Highlands County, Florida after noticing heavy infestation of white wax on branches and citrus fruits. This find represents a new county record and is the first occurrence of lebbeck mealybug in commercial citrus. The field guide depicts infestation of Nipaecoccus viridis, lebbeck mealybug on citrus: (a) white wax, (b) black mold, (c) misshaped fruits, (d) curled leaves, (e) naked eye view of female turned black in 70% alcohol, (f) dark purple liquid when mealybug is crushed, (g) mummies, (h-i) infestation hidden in calyx of fruits, and (j) life stages. Comparison of lebbeck to the citrus mealybug is shown as well as the natural enemies including beetles, wasps and other predators.