A new host association: Ischnaspis longirostris (Signoret, 1882) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) on Rhapis excelsa (Thunb.) A.Henry (Arecaceae) in the Brazilian Cerrado

Abstract

Rhapis excelsa (Thunb.) A. Henry (Arecaceae) is an exotic ornamental plant widely cultivated in Brazil. Although 22 species of scale insects have previously been reported in association with R. excelsa, this study aimed to document and describe a new occurrence of a diaspidid species on this host in Brazil. Heavily infested seedlings were found in a plant nursery in Planaltina, Federal District, Brazil, and identified through macroscopic and microscopic analyses. This finding expands the host range of this polyphagous insect and provides the first scientifically confirmed record of Ischnaspis longirostris (Signoret, 1882) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), commonly known as the black thread scale. Given the host's ornamental value and the aesthetic damage caused by infestations, phytosanitary measures should be implemented to prevent economic losses.