Armored scale insects (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) associated with avocados (Persea americana) in Mxicos main production areas, with keys for identification and natural enemies.

Abstract

Avocado orchards in eight avocado-producing states of Mxico were sampled to collect and identify the armored scale insect species (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) that attack the crop and their natural enemies. Sixteen species of armored scales were identified, 12 from the subfamily Aspidiotinae and four from Diaspidinae. A dichotomous key is provided for the identification of the 18 armored scale species associated with avocado in central Mxico. Forty species of associated natural enemies were also recorded, the most important belonging to Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae, Encyrtidae, Eulophidae, and Signiphoridae, and to Coleoptera: Coccinellidae. For each species of armored scale, brief general information on its distribution, host varietal preferences and natural enemies is given.