Malumphy, C.P., & Redstone, S. 2012 Grey scale Pseudoparlatoria ostreata Cockerell (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), a pest of indoor plantings new to Britain. Entomologist’s Gazette 63:107–114

Notes: In May 2010, a large infestation of Pseudoparlatoria ostreata Cockerell was found on a single Agave sp. (Agavaceae) plant grown in the Princess of Wales Conservatory, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Surrey, England. A survey carried out in the conservatory during November 2010 found P. ostreata infesting Agave echinoides, A. ghiesbreghtii, A. lechuguilla (all three plants are new hosts for P. ostreata) and an Agave sp. The pathway of introduction is unknown. This is the first report of this scale insect breeding in Britain and control measures are being taken. The biology, geographical distribution and economic importance of P. ostreata are discussed. It is also reported from Zaire for the first time. The status of the related species Pseudoparlatoria parlatorioides (Comstock) in Britain is reviewed.