Goolsby, J.A., Kirk, A.A., Moran, P.J., Racelis, A.E., Adamczyk, J.J., Cortés, E., García, M.A.M., Jiménez, M.M., Summy, K.R., Ciomperlik, M.A., & Sands, D. 2011 Establishment of the Armored Scale, Rhizaspidiotus donacis, a Biological Control Agent of Arundo donax. Southwestern Entomologist 36(3):373-374

Notes: The armored scale biological control agent, Rhizaspidiotus donacis (Leonardi) (Hemiptera; Diaspididae), also known as the arundo scale, has established populations on the invasive weed, Arundo donax L. (Poaceae; Arundinoideae), in Del Rio (Val Verde Co.), TX, and in field plots at the USDA-APHIS-PPQ-Moore Airbase, Edinburg (Hidalgo Co.), TX. In previous studies, R. donacis was found to be host specific to Arundo, and has a significant impact on the growth of A. donax in the native range of the scale in Mediterranean Europe. In December 2010, the arundo scale was permitted for release in the U.S.