Maconellicoccus hirsutus Scorecard

Pink hibiscus mealybug (Maconellicoccus hirsutus). Florida Division of Plant Industry , Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Bugwood.org.

Species:  Maconellicoccus hirsutus

Common Name:  Pink hibiscus mealybug

Scorecard created on
Last Updated on

Results

Impact Total:14 / 35Impact = ( Spread + Damage - Benefit )

Ability to Respond Total:20 / 25Ability to Respond = ( Ease of Response + Tools in Place )

Confidence:High

Confidence Notes:

Impact

SpreadNotesScore
Spread RateNatural spread is slow for this group which are not strong fliers, movement would be facilitated with human activities and on ornamental plants.3
Spread AmountOccurs in ten counties of CA primarily in the Central Valley (also Orange Co.); would be beneficial to keep it from spreading has been eradicated from CA; native to the southeastern U.S.5
DamageNotesScore
EcologicalIncreased insecticide usage would result to manage this pest if it established - this could threaten environmental quality.1
AgriculturalPest of pistachio in CA; also known to occur on persimmon and grapes and probably other hosts, native to SE USA.4
Infrastructure0
CulturalCould impact fruit and nut production for home-owners.1
Health0
BenefitNotesScore
Ecological0
Agricultural0
Infrastructure0
Cultural0
Health0
Total14

Ability to Respond

Ease of ResponseNotesScore
DetectionMealybugs overall are difficult to sample and detect - this is due to their small size, cryptic habits.3
ControlMealybugs overall are difficult to control, they have a protective covering which protects them from non-specialized natural enemies and from insecticides.4
Tools in PlaceNotesScore
EntryA-rated pest from CDFA (Feb. 2023).5
ControlA-rated pest from CDFA (Feb. 2023). Active classical biological control program5
OutreachExtension and outreach material available. 3
Total20

References