Malumphy, C.P. 2014 First records of rhodesgrass mealybug, Antonina graminis (Maskell) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), in the Canary Islands.. Entomologist's Monthly Magazine 150: 1805-1807

Notes: On 5 April 2010, a small number of heavily sclerotized, globular scale insects was observed at the base of the culm and leaf sheaths, and on the rhizomes, of kikuyu grass (Pennisetum clandestinum) growing around a pond in Parque de la Condesa, Jinámar, Telde, Isla de Gran, Canaria, Spain. On 2 January 2011, the park was revisited and found that the scale insect numbers had increased significantly (there were several hundred adult females) on kikuyu grass near the same pond. A sample of infested grass was collected and examined. The sample contained dozens of mature adult females and first instars, and a small number of teneral adult females. Some of the teneral adults were slide mounted and identified as Antonina graminis, commonly known as the rhodesgrass mealybug or felted grass mealybug. The mealybugs were again found to be abundant in the same location in Parque de la Condesa on 7 April 2013. Antonina graminis has also been collected at two further locations: Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Canteras, shopping complex, on unidentified grasses (invasive weeds), 7 January 2011; and in Marzagán, Calle Camino del Chorro, in a private lawn, on Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon), 26 October 2011. This is thought to be the first report of A. graminis in the Canary Islands.