Some Parasites and Predators of Pseudaulacaspis pentagona (Targ.) in Trinidad, B.W.I.

Abstract

Pseudaulacaspis pentagona (Targ.) was first observed in Bermuda in 1917. By 1920 infestations severe enough to cause defoliation of oleanders were recorded. Damage by the scale increased despite an intensive spray programme until the establishment of Aphytis diaspidis (How.) from Italy in 1921-24. (Ogilvie, 1928). For several years this Aphelinid kept the scale under satisfactory control, only small sporadic outbreaks occurring from time to time. In recent years however, outbreaks have been severe enough to warrant a detailed investigation(Simmonds, 1955).