Bio-ecology of cedar scale insect Torosaspis cedricola (Balachowsky & Alkan) (Hemiptera diaspididae) in Ankara, Turkey

Abstract

Lebanon cedar, Cedrus libani A. Rich. (Pinaceae) is a significant tree from the historical, cultural, aesthetic, scientific and economic perspectives. It is presently found primarily in the Taurus Mountains with extensive and magnificent forests. Also, it has been frequently used as ornamental tree in urban areas in Turkey and abroad. Cedar scale, Torosaspis cedricola, (Balachowsky & Alkan) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) is one of the important pests of cedar trees particularly in urban ecosystem. The bio-ecology of T. Cedricola on C. Libani is examined four localities during the years 2008 and 2009 in Ankara. T. Cedricola has two generations in a year and overwinters as mated females. The sex ratio of T. Cedricola is changed 1.8:1-4.8:1 (♀:♂) all study areas in both generation and the sex ratio is strongly biased towards female that occur on cedar needles only. The first generation crawlers emerged in late May but the second brood L1 in late July. Adalia bipunctata (L.), Chilocorus bipustulatus (L.), Exochomus quadripustulatus (L.), Harmonia quadripunctata (Pont) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and Cybocephalus fodori minor (Endrödy) (Coleoptera: Cybocephalidae) were determined as predator of the scale, while Diaspiniphagus moeris (Walker) (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) was only parasitioid species as natural enemy of T. Cedricola. Natural enemies had a negligible effect on populations of T. Cedricola in Ankara.