Hunsberger, A.G.B. 2003 New insect pests of south Florida.. Proceedings of the Florida State Horticultural Society 116: 343-345.

Notes: South Florida has several major ports of entry and one of the busiest airports in the country allowing for a great influx of international trade and tourism. Along with imported commodities and people, insects are frequent hitchhikers, with an average of one new insect species becoming established a month in south Florida. Many of these become either economic or aesthetic pests. The most worrisome of these new insects includes: the lobate lac scale (Paratachardina lobata lobata Chamberlin) and the pink hibiscus mealybug (Maconellicoccus hirsutus Green) among others. These have a wide host plant range, which includes many commonly grown ornamentals, and post a significant threat to agricultural crops. Little is known about their biology. Recent findings including possible biological control agents are discussed.