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Issue: Vol. 83 No. 2: 5 May 2026
Type: Article
Published: 2026-05-05
DOI: 10.12976/jib/2026.83.2.1
Page range: 32-37
Abstract views: 91
PDF downloaded: 1

Scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Coccoidea) in Turkish Republic of the Northern Cyprus: new faunistic records with notes on host plants and natural enemies

Ankara University, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Plant Protection, 06130, Ankara, Turkiye
Turkmenköy Agricultural Research Station, 99555, Turkmenköy, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus
Biological control Cyprus predator parasitoid taxonomy

Abstract

The introduction of invasive insect species through agricultural activities and other human-mediated processes has significantly affected the ecology and biodiversity of Cyprus, sometimes leading to serious socioeconomic impacts such as reduced crop yields and increased pest management costs. This study aimed to determine the scale insect species (Hemiptera: Cocomorpha: Coccoidea) occurring in the Turkish Republic of the Northern Cyprus and to document their host plants, habitats, and associated natural enemies. Scale insects, together with their host plants and natural enemies, were collected from agricultural areas, parks and urban areas at irregular intervals. Coccidae (1), Diaspididae (4), Dactylopiidae (1), Monophlebiidae (1), Phoenicococcidae (1), and Pseudococcidae (2) species were determineted. Among these, Voraspis ceratoniae (Marchal), Parlatoria blanchardi (Targioni Tozzetti) (Diaspididae), Phoenicococcus marlatti Cockerell (Phoenicococcidae), and Phenacoccus parvus Morrison (Pseudococcidae) are recorded for the first time from the island. In addition several natural enemies associated with scale insects were also recorded. The predator Cybocephalus sp. (Coleoptera: Cybocephalidae) was observed feeding on Diaspis echinocacti (Bouché) and Aulacaspis yasumatsui Takagi (Hemiptera: Diaspididae). Exochomus nigromaculatus (Goeze) was recorded feeding on Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley, whereas Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant and Hyperaspis trifurcata Schaeffer (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) were fed on Dactylopius opuntiae (Cockerell). These findings provide updated information on the scale insect fauna of Turkish Republic of the Northern Cyprus, including new island records, host plant associations, and natural enemies, and contribute baseline data that may support future pest management and biological control programs.

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