The Scale Insect Screening LucidŽ Tool for Cultivated Palms

Abstract. Field identification of members belonging to Hemiptera, Suborder Sternorrhyncha (scale insects, mealybugs, whiteflies, and aphids) often proves to be a challenging endeavor. These insects frequently occur on palms in the U.S. as both an ornamental nuisance and at times as economically damaging pests. Furthermore, some exotic species of concern are of limited distribution or not known to occur in the U.S. The Scale Insect Screening LUCID® Tool consists of fact sheets, images, a terms glossary, and a matrix-based field key. Each fact sheet provides information about the species distribution, palm host range, diagnostic features, commonly misidentified species, basic morphology, and more. Users will be able to screen for common and potentially exotic pest Hemiptera, Sternorrhycha species affecting palms.