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.