Taxonomy, hosts, and distribution of an emerging invasive mealybug, Phenacoccus miruku (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Pseudococcidae), in Florida

Abstract

Abstract An invasive mealybug (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Pseudococcidae) was first detected and identified in Florida in 2019 as Phenacoccus sisymbriifolium Granara de Willink. This species was described from Uruguay in 2007 on Solanum sisymbriifolium Lam. (Solanaceae) and Florida specimens largely matched the description. However, new morphological and molecular evidence supports that this species is Phenacoccus miruku Tanaka & Choi, recently described from Japan in 2022. P. miruku is presumed Neotropical or Nearctic in origin and invasive in Japan. We discuss the issues around the taxonomic identities of these species and for each give diagnoses. An available list of host plants, a current distribution map, notes on ecological associates, images of live specimens in the field, and a key to the species of Phenacoccus in Florida also are provided. Since its detection, this mealybug has been widely found throughout 20 Florida counties with a continuously expanding host list. It is currently most common on roadside weeds such as Bidens alba (L.) DC. and Ambrosia artemisiifolia L. (Asteraceae) but it has recently been identified on cultivated crops such as tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.), eggplant (Solanum melongena L.), naranjilla (Solanum quitoense Lam.), peppers (Capsicum L.) (Solanaceae), and sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) (Convolvulaceae). This paper serves to provide information on this emerging mealybug pest, give resources for its identification, and facilitate detection and management.