Basic biology and identification of the sex pheromone of the invasive scale species Acutaspis albopicta (Hemiptera: Diaspididae)

The invasive scale species Acutaspis albopicta (Cockerell) is a serious potential threat to avocado production in California and possibly other plants as it has a broad known host range. Because little was known about its basic biology, we examined several life history parameters. Female scales only reproduced sexually, with most females surviving for at least 12 weeks from the crawler stage. Humidity was important for survival of male scales; emergence of adult males increased dramatically when humidity was increased from 50% to 70%. Females laid up to 80 eggs over their lifetimes. Developmental data at constant 15, 20, 25, and 35°C revealed that scales can develop at the lower three temperatures, with the first females molting to adults 139, 43, and 26 days, respectively, after settling as crawlers. Mortality of first instar scales was 100% at 35°C. We have also identified the female-produced sex pheromone, and applications of the sex pheromone for monitoring this invasive scale will be discussed.