The purpose of this research was to determine the most likely new invasive soft scales to the United States. One hundred forty-six species of soft scales have been identified as either pests or a threat to U.S. agriculture. The number of invasive soft scales in the U.S. was determined for each decade from 1870-1999. Geographic origin and host preferences of invasive species in the U. S. were characteristics considered important in formulating predictions about future introductions. A list of pest species that occur in areas that are most frequently the source of new invasions and are either polyphagous or oligophagous was developed. Comparisons of this list with those species of non-established soft scales most frequently intercepted at U.S. ports-of-entry provided a mechanism for determining likely U.S. introductions before they become established.
Keywords: Hemiptera, Coccidae
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