Kamal, M.B.H., Zouari, S., Ercan, C., & Kaydan, M.B. 2022 First report of Saissetia miranda (Cockerell & Parrott) (Hemiptera: Coccidae) in Tunisia: occurrence on fig trees. EPPO Bulletin 52: 725–729

Keywords:

  • diagnosis
  • distribution
  • host
  • illustration
  • Notes: Saissetia miranda (Cockerell & Parrott) (Hemiptera: Coccidae) was identified for the first time in Tunisia, in the region of Akouda (Sousse, coastal area of Tunisia) on Ficus carica L. (Moraceae) during a survey in July and August 2020 and 2021. The infestation was observed on leaves, shoots and also on the stems and branches of fig trees. This is the first record of S. miranda in Tunisia and the first record of this pest in North Africa. Two other scale insects, Ceroplastes rusci L. (Hemiptera: Coccidae) and Planococcus ficus Signoret (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), were also recorded during this survey.