Tumminelli, R., Perrotta, G., Raciti, E., & Colazza, S. 2006 Cellophane tape with adhesive on both sides to monitor the emergence of armoured scale crawlers in Eastern Sicily lemon orchards.. Bulletin OILB/SROP (Sect. Reg. Ouest Palearctique) 29(3): 251-254.

Notes: [International Conference on Integrated Control in Citrus Fruit Crops. Proceedings of the meeting of the International Organization for Biological and Integrated Control of Noxious Animals and Plants, West Palearctic Regional Section (IOBC/WPRS) Working Group, Lisbon, Portugal, 26-27 September 2005.] Oleander scale, Aspidiotus nerii (Homoptera: Diaspididae), is a cosmopolitan pest mainly spread in the Mediterranean basin. This scale insect usually has three generations per year. This corresponds to three waves of emergence of mobile nymphs, which can be assigned to succeeding generations. In the spring-summer of 2003, 2004 and 2005, in lemon cv. Femminello siracusano orchards in eastern Sicily, Italy, we tested transparent cellophane tape with adhesive on both sides to monitor the emergence of first instar scales, called crawlers. The crawlers were captured on the tape as they move across a twig or branch. These tapes were used to confirm the arrival of the new generation and the beginning of crawler activity and predict when to manage the Oleander scale. The first generation started in March-April. Mobile nymphs then moved towards sheltered areas of the tree, settling preferably on the underside of foliage and fruits. This generation developed in 8 to 9 weeks. A second generation then occurred in June, taking a similar amount of time to develop. Insecticide mode of action and formulation are important because the armor covers and protects all stages but the crawler and the adult male. Contact insecticides target the crawler stage, such as more selective horticultural mineral oils. Care must be taken to conserve natural enemies. Populations of other pests, such as whiteflies, may increase if insecticides kill their natural enemies. Spray schedules can be determined by presence of scales in the field rather than by the calendar dates.