Identification of rastrococcus rubellus williams (hemipte ra: pseudococcidae) on mango: a new record to Sri Lanka

Abstract

An island-wide survey of mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) conducted in 2008/09 helped identify two species of Rastrococcus from Sri Lanka. R. invadens Williams was identified from samples collected on Plumeria sp. and Ficus arnottiana, while R. rubellus Williams was found on Plumeria sp. Although R. invadens has been recorded in Sri Lanka before, this is the first record of the oriental mealybug, R. rubellus, from the country. R. rubellus was found in mixed colonies with R. invadens; so far, the infestations have not been associated with any severe crop losses. The survey revealed that R. rubellus is confined to a limited area in Colombo District. This restricted distribution suggested that it may be a new introduction to the country. Diagnostic characters to aid recognition of R. rubellus, and details of its distribution and host range within Sri Lanka are given.