Report on a new invasive species, Pseudococcus dendrobiorum Williams (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), in Taiwan.

Abstract

A new invasive dendrobium mealybug, Pseudococcus dendrobiorum Williams (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), through imported orchids (Phalaenopsis spp.) from Vietnam was confirmed by Taiwan Agricultural Research Institute (TARI) in 2013. In this study, morphological characteristics and ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer 1 (rDNA-ITS1) sequence were used for the species identification and confirmation of the introduction source. A standard process for elimination and subsequent detection survey of this pest to prevent its spreading was executed by the Bureau of Animal and Plant Health Inspection and Quarantine (BAPHIQ) based on the Plant Protection Act. No individual of this pest was found again during the later surveys. The slide-mounted voucher specimens were deposited in the Insect and Mite Museum, Division of Applied Zoology, TARI.