Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in Brazil: Recent Spread, Natural Enemies, and New Hosts

Abstract

Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is an invasive and highly polyphagous pest with a worldwide distribution in tropical and subtropical regions. This study reports the geographical distribution, natural enemies, and host plant species of M. hirsutus in Brazil 8 years after its first report in this country. Maconellicoccus hirsutus is now distributed in 11 Brazilian states, in all major geographic regions of the country. Samples (n = 103) of plants infested by M. hirsutus were collected in the state of Espírito Santo, Brazil, with 96% of them found within the isotherm 23 to 27 °C. Hevea brasiliensis (Euphorbiaceae), Theobroma bicolor (Malvaceae), and T. speciosum (Malvaceae) are reported for the first time as hosts of M. hirsutus, and Coccoloba uvifera (Polygonaceae), Morus alba (Moraceae), Punica granatum (Lythraceae), and Talipariti tiliaceum (Malvaceae) are new hosts of M. hirsutus in Brazil. Thirty-seven host plant species of M. hirsutus are now confirmed in Brazil.