Powell, E.C., Deeter, L.A., Moore, M.R., Ahmed, M.Z., & Miller, D.R. 2024 Taxonomy, hosts, and distribution of an emerging invasive mealybug, Phenacoccus miruku (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Pseudococcidae), in Florida. Florida Entomologist https://doi.org/10.1515/flaent-2024-0024

Keywords:

DNA sequencing

diagnosis

distribution

host

key

morphology

taxonomy

Notes: An invasive mealybug (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Pseudococcidae) was first detected and identified in Florida in 2019 as Phenacoccus sisymbriifolium Granara de Willink. This species was described from Uruguay in 2007 on Solanum sisymbriifolium Lam. (Solanaceae) and Florida specimens largely matched the description. However, new morphological and molecular evidence supports that this species is Phenacoccus miruku Tanaka & Choi, recently described from Japan in 2022. This paper serves to provide information on this emerging mealybug pest, give resources for its identification, and facilitate detection and management.

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