Marotta, S., Ripullone, F., & Tranfaglia, A. 1999 Osservazioni bio-etologiche su Kermes vermilio (Planchon) (Homoptera Coccoidea Kermesidae) dannoso ai lecci in Basilicata.. Phytophaga. Palermo 9: 63-83.
Notes: Title in English: [Bio-ethological observations on Kermes vermilio (Planchon) (Homoptera Coccoidea Kermesidae) harmful to Quercus ilex in Basilicata region (Italy).] Kermes vermilio is a gall-like scale insect reported as a pest on ornamental Quercus ilex in some central and southern Italy urban environments. Its life cycle, behaviour and natural enemies were studied on scale insect colonies living on ornamental oaks in Rapolla, Basilicata region, southern Italy. The species is oviparous and monovoltine, showing one generation per year, overwintering as first instar. Geographical distribution and host plants are reported. Behavioral data such as active dispersal, developmental and feeding sites, and biological data such as fecundity, correlation between post-reproductive female size and egg number, emergence time of crawlers, female growth rate, male development and adult longevity are studied under field and laboratory conditions. The complex of natural enemies includes Aenasiodea hispanica, Cheiloneurus claviger and Metaphycus hirtipennis.