Haseman, L., & Quilici, S. 1987 [Bio-ecological study of the scale insect Pseudaulacaspis pentagona Targioni-Tozzetti and its natural enemies in Reunion.] Etude bio-ecologique de la cochenille diaspine Pseudaulacaspis pentagona et de ses ennemis naturels a la Reunion.. Fruits 42(10): 583-592.
Notes: The winter part of the life cycle of the diaspidid Pseudaulacaspis pentagona and the limiting effect of its natural enemies, were studied in the laboratory and in the field in Reunion on peaches, Nerium oleander, Solanum auriculatum [S. mauritianum] and geranium [Pelargonium]. There were 2 main overlapping generations during the winter of 1986, and 1st instar nymphs were present almost continually. The 2 weeks' duration of the 1st nymphal instar appeared to be the most suitable time to apply chemical treatment. Peach was the most favourable of the food plants tested. Five coccinellids and 3 species of Cybocephalus preyed on Pseudaulacaspis pentagona, while the only parasitoids observed in appreciable numbers were the aphelinid Encarsia diaspidicola and the encyrtid Arrhenophagus chionaspidis. Parasitism was reduced during the winter months and increased again in late June-early July. Recommended control measures include the restriction of chemical insecticide treatments in peach orchards to at least 1 application of parathion in oil against the 1st instar nymphs, with weekly population checks to determine the best date; the supplementation of existing populations of natural enemies or the introduction of new ones on Pelargonium and N. oleander cultivated as ornamental plants in towns; and cultural measures such as the destruction of pruning material from peach orchards and the removal of wild N. oleander and S. mauritianum from the vicinity of peach orchards or geranium fields.