Scale insects are among the most common invaders of new geographical areas, and are the second largest group of alien insects in Europe.
Scale insects are among the most common invaders of new geographical areas, and are the second largest group of alien insects in Europe.
The polyphagous invasive alien species insect Takahashia japonica, aka String Cottony Scale, was recorded in Northern Italy, first record in Europe, where it is now established. Known host plants in the native area are broad-leaved trees and shrubs.
The species, recognizable from the females' long waxy eggsacs hanging from small tree branches, was collected on Acer pseudoplatanus, Albizia julibrissin, Carpinus betulus, Celtis australis, Liquidambar styraciflua, and Morus nigra.
The insect has also been recorded in 2019 in the United Kingdom on Magnolia sp.
Further info
Tuffen M, Salisbury A, Malumphy C (2019) Cotton stringy scale insect, Takahashia japonica (Hemiptera: Coccidae), new to Britain. British Journal of Entomology and Natural History 32, 5 pp.