Charles, J.G., Allan, D.J., Wearing, C.H., Burnip, G.M., & Shaw, P.W. 1998 Releases of Hemisarcoptes coccophagus Meyer (Acari: Hemisarcoptidae), a predator of armoured scale insects, in the South Island.. New Zealand Entomologist 21: 93-98.

Notes: H. coccophagus was released into apple [Malus pumila], pear [Pyrus sp.] and plum [Prunus sp.] trees infested with Quadraspidiotus perniciosus [Diaspidiotus perniciosus], Q. ostreaeformis [D. ostreaeformis] and/or Lepidosaphes ulmi in Nelson, Mid-Canterbury and Central Otago (New Zealand) between 1991 and 1997. H. coccophagus were recovered from only one property in Nelson (on Q. perniciosus on pear) up to 12 months after the initial release, but were not recovered 6 years later. H. coccophagus developed successfully on Q. perniciosus under laboratory conditions. Possible reasons for the apparent failure of H. coccophagus to establish are discussed.