Composition and impact of parasitoids of the lecanium scales in South Carolina

The diversity and impact of hymenopteran parasitoids attacking the oak lecanium scale, Parthenolecanium quercifex, and the European fruit lecanium scale, Parthenolecanium corni, on willow oaks grown in the urban landscape of South Carolina were characterized. Two species (Coccophagus lycimnia and Blastothrix sp.) accounted for 70% of the total parasitoid population. The percentages of parasitism ranged between 27 to 92%. The peaks in parasitism activity against the second and third instars were observed from March to April and those for the adults from April to May. The fecundity of parasitized scale insects was found to be lower than the unparasitized individuals.