Pseudaulacaspis brimblecombei is a species of armored scale insect in the family Diaspididae, commonly known as the waratah scale. It was first described by D.J. Williams in 1973.

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Taxonomy

• Kingdom: Animalia

• Phylum: Arthropoda

• Class: Insecta

• Order: Hemiptera

• Superfamily: Coccoidea

• Family: Diaspididae

• Genus: Pseudaulacaspis

• Species: Pseudaulacaspis brimblecombei

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Description

• Adult Female: The female scale is silvery white or nearly transparent, measuring up to 4 mm in length and 2 mm in width.

• Exuviae: The cast-off skins (exuviae) are terminal and pale yellow.

• Male Scale: Approximately 1.25 mm in length, with a few light and dark longitudinal lines.

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Host Plants

P. brimblecombei infests a variety of plants, including:

• Macadamia species

• Telopea species (waratahs)

• Protea species

• Leucospermum species

• Embothrium species

• Acacia verticillata

• Cordyline species

• Libertia species

• Aleurites species

• Crowea species

• Melicope ternata

• Exocarpos cupressiformis

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Distribution

Native to Australia, P. brimblecombei has been recorded in:

• New South Wales

• Queensland

• Tasmania

• New Zealand

• Hawaii

• Italy

• Portugal

• United Kingdom

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⚠️ Potential Impact

While P. brimblecombei has not been found in California, it poses a potential threat to the nursery, cut flower, and macadamia nut industries due to its ability to infest a wide range of ornamental and commercial plants. Its establishment could lead to significant economic impacts and environmental concerns, including the need for new chemical treatments and potential damage to ornamental plantings.