Porcelli, F., Guerra, G.B., Stingi, N., & Guario, A. 2004 Infestazioni di Trabutina mannipara, fitofago delle tamerici. [Infestations of Trabutina mannipara, a pest of tamarisk.]. Informatore Agrario 60(20): 71-73.

Notes: The popularity of tamarisk, particularly that of Tamarix gallica increased in Italy despite the wood fragility and the small size of trees. Due to the rustic appearance and high adaptability of trees to saline environments (sandy and clay ones), the tree is commonly used to line streets and in protective hedges facing the coastal fronts. Information is presented on the insect pest Trabutina mannipara. Illustrations are included to demonstrate different stages in pest development including neanides in follicles, adult insects on a tree branch, an adult female, larvae of Cryptolaemus montrouzieri predatory on Trabutina, follicles of adult females with eggs and first nianides. The main natural enemy found was C. montrouzieri predatory on larvae, neanides and adults, followed by the less common Hymenoptera parasitoids and the rarely found predatory Scymnus kiesenwetteri. Results of investigations revealed a constant increase in the spread of T. mannipara mealybugs in the urban environment of the coastal Apulia region. Good pest control was achieved with white mineral oil.