First record of the mealybug Phenacoccus solenopsis Tinsley (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) and its seven parasitoids and five predators in Morocco

AbstractPhenacoccus solenopsis (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is the most important scale pest of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) around the world and has emerged as an important pest on a wide range of host plants in many countries. This scale insect was first detected in Morocco in 2020 during sampling in a cactus crop in the Benni Mellal region (32° 20′ N, 6° 21′ W) and has also been found on many other non‐cultivated host plants, such as purslane (Portulaca oleracea). The endoparasitoids Aprostocetus mymaridis (Eulophidae: Hymenoptera), Anagyrus aligarhensis, Anagyrus sp., Leptomastix epona, Metaphycus sp. (Encyrtidae: Hymenoptera), Trissolcus basalis (Scelionidae: Hymenoptera) and Asobara persimilis (Braconidae: Hymenoptera) were recorded from mummies of P. solenopsis. The predators Scymnus nubilus, Scymnus interruptus and Hippodamia convergens (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), and Orius niger and Geocoris megacephalus (Hemiptera: Anthocoridae) were also found associated with the mealybug. This short paper reports the first record of P. solenopsis and its natural enemies in Morocco. Methods for sampling, preparation, preservation and identification are described.