Bianchi, A., Pacchiacucchi, A., Guarino, L., & Maffeo, E. 1994 Segnalata una nuova cocciniglia su actinidia nel Lazio. [Record of a new scale insect on kiwifruit in Lazio.]. Informatore Agrario 50: 46, 73-75.

Notes: The diaspidid Hemiberlesia rapax was recorded in the autumn period on kiwifruit in Lazio; this is the first record of this species on this crop in Italy. The insect is polyphagous and has been present in Italy for many years, but is of little economic importance. Its morphology and biology are described. Observations conducted in Lazio in 1992-93 indicated that the insect had 2 overlapping generations. The aphelinid Aphytis proclia and the signiphorid Signiphora merceti were recorded as parasitoids. Infestation levels of H. rapax on kiwifruit were low compared to those of another diaspidid, Pseudaulacaspis pentagona, and no chemical interventions were necessary. It was concluded, however, that it is important to ensure that the population density of H. rapax should not exceed these levels, because differences in its phenology with respect to that of P. pentagona do not allow the unification of chemical treatments.