Foldi, I., & Watson, G.W. 2001 A new pest scale insect on avocado trees in Colombia, Laurencella colombiana, sp n. (Hemiptera: Coccoidea: Margarodidae).. Annales de la Société Entomologique de France 37(3): 367-374.
Notes: A new scale insect pest of avocado trees (Persea americana, Lauraceae) in Colombia is becoming increasingly important at altitudes over 2000 meters above sea level, killing branches by excessive extraction of plant sap and reducing productivity by causing development of sooty mould on leaves and fruit. The adult male and female of Laurencella colombiana, sp. n. are described and illustrated. The female is recognizable by the presence of numerous distinctive cribriform cicatrices on the venter of the abdomen only. The genus Laurencella is redefined and placed in tribe Llaveiini (Monophlebinae). An identification key to the genera of Llaveiini and species of the genus Laurencella is provided. Other species of scale insect (Coccoidea) recorded on avocado worldwide are listed.