Malumphy, C.P., Stevens, E., & Williams, D.J. 2014 First European record of Chryseococcus arecae (Maskell) (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha, Pseudococcidae), a hypogeal mealybug pest of ornamental plants. Entomologist’s Gazette 65: 30–36

Notes: The mealybug Chryseococcus arecae (Maskell) is reported for the first time from Europe. It was collected from the roots of Meconopsis spp. hybrid clones (Papaveraceae) in Sheriffmuir, Dunblane, Perthshire, Scotland, in September 2012, and subsequently at the same locality on the roots of Meconopsis grandis Prain and Primula chungensis Balf. f. & Kingdo-Ward (Primulaceae). It is a hypogeal species native to New Zealand that has been introduced to eastern Australia. This is the first time that it has been found outside Australasia. It is polyphagous, feeding on plants assigned to 14 families. Its hosts include several ornamental plant genera commonly grown in Britain, such as Dendrobium, Dianthus, Erica, Gentiana, Meconopsis, Primula and Rhopalostylis, and it also occurs on grasses. It is of no economic importance in New Zealand but has been reported damaging ornamental plants in Tasmania. It has also been observed feeding on tomato roots under quarantine laboratory conditions in the U.K. The geographical distribution, host range, biology and economic importance of C. arecae are reviewed and a description and illustration are provided for its identification.