Malumphy, C.P. 2002 Diagnostic protocols for regulated pests Parasaissetia nigra. . OEPP/EPPO Bulletin 32: 293-298

Notes: Parasaissetia nigra is a plant sap-sucking scale insect in family Coccidae (superfamily Coccoidea). It is polyphagous. feeding on plants of 95 families, and is a moderate pest of ornamentals and a minor pest of several agricultural crops. Heavy infestations of P. nigra reduce host vigour by sap depletion and by injecting toxins. The insects produce copious quantities of honeydew on which sooty moulds grow, reducing the photosynthetic area of the plant, resulting in defoliation and stunting. This lowers the aesthetic appearance and market value of ornamental plants. Parasaissetia nigra probably originated in Africa but is now widespread throughout the warmer parts of the world.