Inserra, S. 1971 Il Ceroplastes rusci L. negli agrumeti della provincia di Catania. [Ceroplastes rusci L. in the citrus groves of the province of Catania.]. Bollettino del Laboratorio di Entomologia Agraria 'Filippo Silvestri', Portici 28(1970): 77-97.
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Notes: A new pest reported in Citrus groves in the Sicilian Province of Catania proved to be Ceroplastes rusci (L.), which is present in the near-by Province of Syracuse but infests fig and other plants but not Citrus there. Information is given on the nomenclature, geographic distribution and food-plants of Ceroplastes rusci, and also on its bionomics from field and laboratory observations carried out in 1966-69 on naturally and artificially infested Citrus and fig in the two Provinces. The Coccid had two generations a year, of which the eggs were laid in April-May and August, respectively, and it overwintered as a nymph or young adult. Female fecundity varied according to the size of the individual, but the first generation (laying 1300-1500 eggs/female) was slightly more prolific than the second (1200-1400 eggs/female). The duration of the life-cycle was very different for the two generations; the egg and nymphal stages and the life-span of the adult females in the first generation lasted 5-8,66-78 and 27-34 days, respectively, while the corresponding figures for the second generation were 22-25, 87-211 and 50-160 days, respectively. The best rearing conditions were 25-30 deg C and 75-80% R.H. In the field, heavy rain or wind caused considerable mortality of crawlers and newly settled nymphs; sudden falls in temperature in the autumn, which in the case of fig resulted in premature leaf-drop, also caused heavy mortality. The most effective natural enemy was the egg parasite Scutellista cyanea Motsch., which gave 65% mortality; Eublemma scitula (Ramt.), Exochomus quadripustulatus (L.) and Chilocorus bipustulatus L. were also found. The damage caused by the Coccid consisted in removing sap from the leaves, fruits and branches, which resulted in a general weakening of the tree, defoliation, scanty fruit formation and inhibition of new growth. Honeydew was also produced in large quantities. This attracted other insects and encouraged the development of sooty mould, which is especially deleterious to mandarin and lemon fruits, often rendering them unmarketable.
