Ray, H.A., McCormick, J.P., Stice, A.L, Stocks, I.C., & Zettler, L.W. 2012 Occurrence of Boisduval Scale, Diaspis boisduvalii (Hemiptera: Diaspididae, on Native Epiphytic Orchids in Collier Co., Florida, Including Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve. Florida Entomologist 95(2):312-318
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Notes: We present the results of a field study conducted in 2011 to assess native epiphytic orchids in South Florida for infestations of armored scales (Hemiptera: Coccoidea: Diaspididae). A total of 1,726 orchids spanning 10 taxa were surveyed at 7 locations at 3 sites. Boisduval scale, Diaspis boisduvalii Signoret, was detected on 2.3% of the orchids from 6 of the 10 orchid species, and was present at all 3 primary sites surveyed. Prosthechea cochleata and Epidendrum amphistomum (Asparagales: Orchidaceae) appeared to be most vulnerable to this scale, with infection totals of 5.8% and 2.1%, respectively. Of 44 scales from the 39 orchids, 27% hosted hymenopteran parasitoids in various stages of development. The presence of D. boisduvalii adds an additional burden to state-endangered orchid populations and indicates that resource managers may need to expand management approaches to include plant-parasitic insect control.
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