Expanded distribution records for the armoured scale insect Oceanaspidiotus spinosus (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) in New Zealand

Abstract

In 2019, the armoured scale insect Oceanaspidiotus spinosus (Comstock 1883) (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) was recorded for the first time in New Zealand on kiwifruit from Bay of Plenty and Gisborne. Prior to 2019, only three species had been found on kiwifruit: Hemiberlesia lataniae, Hemiberlesia rapax and Aspidiotus nerii. During the subsequent 2020-2022 kiwifruit export seasons, O. spinosus has continued to be recorded in these regions, including in new orchard locations. Furthermore, it has now been recorded in Northland and Hawkes Bay, two completely new regions. These new regions represent the new northernmost and southernmost records in New Zealand. O. spinosus is a polyphagous pest, and globally has also been recorded on avocado, citrus, apple, and blueberry. The proximity of infested kiwifruit orchards to orchards with other potential host crops may have implications in New Zealand for O. spinosus spreading to new hosts.