Temperature-Dependent Development and Host Range of Crapemyrtle Bark Scale, Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae (Kuwana) (Hemiptera: Eriococcidae)

Abstract

The crapemyrtle bark scale, Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae (Kuwana) (Hemiptera: Eriococcidae), is an invasive pest of crapemyrtles, Lagerstroemia spp. L. (Lythraceae) in the southeastern USA. Information about its temperature-dependent development and host range is limited. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of temperature on the immature development of A. lagerstroemiae, and to determine plant species suitable for immature development and reproduction. Developmental time and survival of eggs were evaluated at 7 constant temperatures from 17.5 to 32 °C, and of nymphs at 20, 25, and 30 °C. Results suggested that 27.5 °C was the optimum temperature for egg hatching with the shortest time (10 d) and the highest hatching rate (95%). The developmental time for A. lagerstroemiae from nymph to prepupa and gravid female was 56 d and 68 d at 30 °C, respectively. Five plant species besides crapemyrtle (Lagerstroemia indica × fauriei L.) were able to support the immature development and reproduction of A. lagerstroemiae under no-choice conditions, including Lawsonia inermis L., Heimia salicifolia Link, Punica granatum L., Lythrum alatum Pursh (all Lythraceae), and Callicarpa americana L. (Lamiaceae). At wk 12 from inoculation, the density of gravid females was 482 ± 92 (mean ± standard error) on L. indica × fauriei, 200 ± 70 on C. americana, and < 150 on other species. Using data from developmental time and host range, integrated pest management (IPM) practitioners can implement preventive strategies for A. lagerstroemiae.

Investigating Producers’ Preferences for Crapemyrtle and Their Perceptions Regarding Crapemyrtle Bark Scale

“…Crapemyrtle bark scale (CMBS; Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae Borchsenius, 1960) is a novel pest affecting crapemyrtles in the U.S. [7]. Biologically, A. lagerstroemiae is sexually dimorphic [8]. For most of its lifetime, the adult female is sessile on the bark [8,9].…”

“…Biologically, A. lagerstroemiae is sexually dimorphic [8]. For most of its lifetime, the adult female is sessile on the bark [8,9]. The insect secretes honeydew, which encourages sooty mold growth on the plants [8].…”

“…For most of its lifetime, the adult female is sessile on the bark [8,9]. The insect secretes honeydew, which encourages sooty mold growth on the plants [8]. Not only does this limit the plants' photosynthesis, it also reduces their aesthetic value [8].…”

“…The insect secretes honeydew, which encourages sooty mold growth on the plants [8]. Not only does this limit the plants' photosynthesis, it also reduces their aesthetic value [8]. Additionally, if the infestation gets out of control, the sooty mold can coat the bark, which can be a huge concern for growers [7].…”

Evaluating Beautyberry and Fig Species as Potential Hosts of Invasive Crapemyrtle Bark Scale in the United States

“…The more plants beyond the loosestrife family (Lythraceae) and rose family (Rosaceae) to test, the more insights into the relationship between host suitability levels and host classification to obtain, which help uncover the main determinants of CMBS-host associations and better control CMBS. Even though 'Tiger' edible fig (Ficus carica) did not support nymphal CMBS's development and reproduction (Wang et al, 2019), we observed male pupae and gravid females of CMBS on 'Beer's Black' and 'Chicago Hardy' edible fig in a preliminary trial in 2018 (Fig. 1).…”