Russo, A., & Siscaro, G. 1994 Diaspis echinocacti fitomizo del fico d'India in Sicilia. [Diaspis echinocacti pest of prickly pear in Sicily.]. Informatore Agrario 50: 37, 73-76.

Notes: Diaspis echinocacti has recently become a problem on prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) on some specialist farms in Sicily, requiring specific measures of chemical control. The morphology of the pest is described, and the results of studies on its biology and natural enemies are presented. Feeding by the diaspidid resulted in the presence of chlorotic areas on the fruits of the plant. The encyrtid Plagiomerus diaspidis was the most effective natural enemy in the study area, giving rates of parasitism greater than 40%.