Gillette's eriococcin
Eriokermes gillettei (Tinseley) (Hemiptera: Kermesidae, formerly Eriococcidae)
Orientation to pest
Gillette's eriococcin, Eriokermes gillettei (Tinseley) (syn. is Eriococcus gillettei), is a native North American scale. This species is found on native junipers (Juniperus) but is not damaging. Occasionally higher densities develop on junipers planted as ornamentals. Adult females are yellowish before forming an ovisac but then turn brownish purple. In Maryland, there is one generation per year and the scale overwinters in the egg stage.
Hosts commonly attacked
This scale is restricted to feeding on species of juniper (Juniperus).
Distribution
This scale is known from Florida, Maryland, Virginia, and several western states, but likely has a larger U.S. distribution, including most of the southeastern United States.
Images of Gillette's eriococcin
Figure 1. Gillette's eriococin, Eriokermes gillettei, on juniper |
Important biological control agents related to this pest species
Parasitoids of this scale have not been reported but its characteristic low density in natural habitats suggests it may be kept under control by specialized parasitoids.
Web links for information on Gillette's eriococcin
- Species Catalog on ScaleNet
Complete list of all recorded natural enemies, hosts, and distribution records; also an index to all publications on this species
Articles
- Miller, D. R. and G. L. Miller. 1993. Description of a new genus of scale insect with a discussion of relationships among families related to the Kermesidae (Homoptera: Coccoidea). Systematic Entomology 18: 237-251. This article introduced the current name of the species.