First report of the infestation of Azadirachta indica A. Juss by Aonidiella orientalis (Newstead) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) in Brazil

Abstract

The infestation of Azadirachta indica A. Juss. (Meliaceae) by scale insects of the species Aonidiella orientalis (Newstead) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) is reported for the first time. Leaves and twigs exhibiting signs of wilting were collected from the basal-interior parts of the canopy of neem trees that had been planted in the city of Limoeiro do Norte, located in the northeastern state of Ceará, Brazil. The identity of the oriental scale insect A. orientalis was confirmed by microscopic examination. The insect pest has not been observed previously in the northern states of Brazil, hence the present report is significant in that it focuses attention on the mobility of A. orientalis and on its potential to infest other plant species in that region.