Australian Journal of Zoology (1997) 45, 399-407

A.D. Loch and M.P. Zalucki (1997)
Variation in length, fecundity and survival of pink wax scale, Ceroplastes rubens Maskell (Hemiptera: Coccidae), on umbrella trees
Australian Journal of Zoology 45 (4), 399-407
Abstract: We investigated some of the factors that may lead to outbreaks of pink wax scale, Ceroplastes rubens Maskell, on umbrella trees, Schefflera actinophylla (Endl.). Estimates of birth and death rates of pink wax scale were high and variable within and among trees; variation in these rates was not related to scale density. Adult fecundity correlated significantly but weakly with adult test length; mean fecundity was 292 eggs per female with a range of 5-1178. Adult test length and its variance decreased weakly with increasing density. Field experiments showed that mortality of C. rubens is greatest during the first 24 hours after hatching when approximately half disappear. The rate of loss decreases over time with 0·3% of initial motile first- instar nymphs surviving to maturity. Rates of loss varied significantly between trees, indicating that some trees are more suitable for scale colonisation and survival.
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Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Myron P. Zalucki, Andrew D. Loch

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
population dynamics/ epidemiology
general biology - morphology - evolution

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Ceroplastes rubens	Schefflera (crop)