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This article should be cited as: O'Connor, J.P., Gertsson, C-A. and Malumphy, C. (2013) A review of the Irish scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccoidea). Irish Naturalists’ Journal 32(1): 32-44.

Date of publication: 22 June 2013

review of the Irish scale insects

A review of the Irish scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) *James P. O’Connor1, Carl-Axel Gertsson2 and Chris Malumphy3

Table 1. Status of scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) recorded in Ireland * = identity and presence of the species requires confirmation Scale insect species and status

Republic of Ireland

Northern Ireland (UK)

Native species – 25 spp. (3 require confirmation)

National Museum of Ireland – Natural History, Merrion Street, Dublin 2 2 Murarevägen 13, SE-227 30 Lund, Sweden 3 The Food and Environment Research Agency, Sand Hutton, York YO41 1LZ, U.K. The Irish scale-insect fauna (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) is reviewed. Data are provided on 48 species of which six are recorded new to the island. The occurrence of Aspidiotus nerii Bouché is confirmed. Altogether there are 25 native species; six non-native species naturalised outdoors; nine non-native species established on indoor plantings and five non-established introductions. There are records of three species which the authors believe are incorrect or misidentifications. Many of the Irish records are very old and therefore, it is uncertain that some reported species are still extant in Ireland.

ASTEROLECANIIDAE Pit scales

Lecanopsis formicarum Newstead

Wexford

Keywords: Hemiptera, Coccoidea, scale-insects, Ireland, review, new records

Lichtensia viburni Signoret

Cork

Pulvinaria vitis (Linnaeus)

Cork, Dublin

Eulecanium tiliae (Linnaeus)

Cavan, Clare, Cork, Waterford

Antrim

Parthenolecanium corni (Bouché)

Cork, Dublin

Northern Ireland

Physokermes sp.

Wicklow

Tyrone

1

Introduction The Coccoidea or scale-insects are the most highly modified of all the Hemiptera. Males are sometimes wingless but many have developed forewings which enable them to fly. By contrast, females are always wingless and are usually either slow moving or immobile as adults. They are actually sexually mature nymphs and are generally covered with a protective coating of wax. A few species feed on fungal mats and fungi. However most feed on sap drawn directly from the plant’s vascular system and can be pests causing serious damage. Further information will be found in Kosztarab and Kozár (1988). A very useful website is ScaleNet (Ben-Dov, Miller and Gibson 2010). The Coccoidea or scale-insects have been little studied in Ireland. Green (1934) provided the only previously published list of Irish species. This review presents data on 48 species including six new to the island. Many of the existing Irish records are very old and it is therefore unknown if some species are still extant here. Scale insects are one of the arthropod groups most commonly dispersed between countries as a consequence of international trade; and are among the most successful arthropod groups in terms of invading new geographical areas. Climate change also appears to be having an influence on the distribution of some species within Europe, as species once restricted to the Mediterranean are expanding their range into more northerly latitudes. Under-recording of native scale insects (probably only a third or less of the native Irish species are recorded; c.90 native species in Great Britain) and the potential for the introduction of *Corresponding author – [email protected] 32 Irish Naturalists’ Journal Vol. 32 Part 1

exotic species means that there is plenty of scope for recording species new to Ireland. It is hoped therefore that the present work will stimulate interest in the group. The following abbreviations are used in the text: CAG - Carl-Axel Gertsson, CM - Chris Malumphy, FERA - The Food and Environment Research Agency, JPOC - James P. O’Connor, NMI - National Museum of Ireland. Vernacular names are given where possible. A summary of the status of each species is given in Table 1. Asterolecaniidae (pit scales), Asterolecaniinae

Ireland

Asterodiaspis quercicola (Bouché)*

Dublin

Asterodiaspis variolosa (Ratzeburg)

Cavan, Cork, Dublin, Waterford, Wicklow

COCCIDAE Soft scales Eriopeltis festucae (Boyer de Fonscolombe)*

Ireland

Eriopeltis lichtensteini Signoret*

Ireland

DIASPIDIDAE Armoured scales Aulacaspis rosae (Bouché)

Cork, Donegal

Diaspidiotus ostreaeformis (Curtis)

Ireland

Diaspidiotus zonatus (Frauenfeld)

Cork

Aulacaspis rosae (Bouché)

Cork, Donegal

Chionaspis salicis (Linnaeus)

Cork, Dublin, Galway

Down

Lepidosaphes ulmi (Linnaeus)

Cavan, Clare, Cork, Dublin

Armagh, Fermanagh

Cryptococcus fagisuga Lindinger

Cork, Dublin, Laois

Antrim, Armagh, Down

Eriococcus devoniensis (Green)

Kerry

Asterodiaspis quercicola (Bouché, 1851). Requires confirmation as an Irish species. DUBLIN: no locality. Intercepted on Quercus sessiliflora laciniata (now sessile oak Quercus petraea) at Washington, D.C., U.S.A., by D. P. Limber, 7 January 1939 (Russell 1941). The Golden Pit Scale is a common and widely distributed species in Europe, the Middle East, South Africa, New Zealand and North America. It feeds on oak (Malumphy et al. 2008).

ERIOCOCCIDAE Felt scales

Asterodiaspis variolosa (Ratzeburg, 1870). New to Ireland (Fig. 1). CAVAN: Dún an Rí Forest Park, near Kingscourt (N8096), 26 May 1994, on oak Quercus sp., JPOC (det. CAG); CORK: Blarney Castle, 28 August 1994, small numbers of post-reproductive adult females on the twigs of several Pedunculate Oaks (Quercus robur), CM; Castlemartyr (W9673), 23 July 2009, on oak, CAG; DUBLIN: Phoenix Park near the Phoenix Monument (O1135), 12 April 1992, on oak, JPOC (det. CAG); WATERFORD: Old Court Hotel (S5410), 22 April 1992,

PSEUDOCOCCIDAE Mealybugs

ORTHEZIIDAE Ensign scales Arctorthezia cataphracta (Olafsen)

Cavan, Donegal, Dublin, Galway, Kerry, Mayo, Wicklow

Antrim, Armagh

Newsteadia floccosa (De Geer)

Ireland

Orthezia urticae (Linnaeus)

Ireland

Dysmicoccus walkeri (Newstead)

Ireland

Phenacoccus aceris (Signoret) Ripersiella halophila (Hardy)

Armagh Donegal

Trionymus perrisii (Signoret)

Antrim

Non-native introductions naturalised outdoors – 6 spp COCCIDAE Soft scales Pulvinaria floccifera (Westwood)

Dublin, Waterford

Irish Naturalists’ Journal Vol. 32 Part 1 33


A review of the Irish scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) *James P. O’Connor1, Carl-Axel Gertsson2 and Chris Malumphy3

Table 1. Status of scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) recorded in Ireland * = identity and presence of the species requires confirmation Scale insect species and status

Republic of Ireland


Native species – 25 spp. (3 require confirmation)

National Museum of Ireland – Natural History, Merrion Street, Dublin 2 2 Murarevägen 13, SE-227 30 Lund, Sweden 3 The Food and Environment Research Agency, Sand Hutton, York YO41 1LZ, U.K. The Irish scale-insect fauna (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) is reviewed. Data are provided on 48 species of which six are recorded new to the island. The occurrence of Aspidiotus nerii Bouché is confirmed. Altogether there are 25 native species; six non-native species naturalised outdoors; nine non-native species established on indoor plantings and five non-established introductions. There are records of three species which the authors believe are incorrect or misidentifications. Many of the Irish records are very old and therefore, it is uncertain that some reported species are still extant in Ireland.

ASTEROLECANIIDAE Pit scales

Lecanopsis formicarum Newstead

Wexford

Keywords: Hemiptera, Coccoidea, scale-insects, Ireland, review, new records

Lichtensia viburni Signoret

Cork

Pulvinaria vitis (Linnaeus)

Cork, Dublin

Eulecanium tiliae (Linnaeus)

Cavan, Clare, Cork, Waterford

Antrim

Parthenolecanium corni (Bouché)

Cork, Dublin

Northern Ireland

Physokermes sp.

Wicklow

Tyrone

1

Introduction The Coccoidea or scale-insects are the most highly modified of all the Hemiptera. Males are sometimes wingless but many have developed forewings which enable them to fly. By contrast, females are always wingless and are usually either slow moving or immobile as adults. They are actually sexually mature nymphs and are generally covered with a protective coating of wax. A few species feed on fungal mats and fungi. However most feed on sap drawn directly from the plant’s vascular system and can be pests causing serious damage. Further information will be found in Kosztarab and Kozár (1988). A very useful website is ScaleNet (Ben-Dov, Miller and Gibson 2010). The Coccoidea or scale-insects have been little studied in Ireland. Green (1934) provided the only previously published list of Irish species. This review presents data on 48 species including six new to the island. Many of the existing Irish records are very old and it is therefore unknown if some species are still extant here. Scale insects are one of the arthropod groups most commonly dispersed between countries as a consequence of international trade; and are among the most successful arthropod groups in terms of invading new geographical areas. Climate change also appears to be having an influence on the distribution of some species within Europe, as species once restricted to the Mediterranean are expanding their range into more northerly latitudes. Under-recording of native scale insects (probably only a third or less of the native Irish species are recorded; c.90 native species in Great Britain) and the potential for the introduction of *Corresponding author – [email protected] 32 Irish Naturalists’ Journal Vol. 32 Part 1

exotic species means that there is plenty of scope for recording species new to Ireland. It is hoped therefore that the present work will stimulate interest in the group. The following abbreviations are used in the text: CAG - Carl-Axel Gertsson, CM - Chris Malumphy, FERA - The Food and Environment Research Agency, JPOC - James P. O’Connor, NMI - National Museum of Ireland. Vernacular names are given where possible. A summary of the status of each species is given in Table 1. Asterolecaniidae (pit scales), Asterolecaniinae

Ireland

Asterodiaspis quercicola (Bouché)*

Dublin

Asterodiaspis variolosa (Ratzeburg)

Cavan, Cork, Dublin, Waterford, Wicklow

COCCIDAE Soft scales Eriopeltis festucae (Boyer de Fonscolombe)*

Ireland

Eriopeltis lichtensteini Signoret*

Ireland

DIASPIDIDAE Armoured scales Aulacaspis rosae (Bouché)

Cork, Donegal

Diaspidiotus ostreaeformis (Curtis)

Ireland

Diaspidiotus zonatus (Frauenfeld)

Cork

Aulacaspis rosae (Bouché)

Cork, Donegal

Chionaspis salicis (Linnaeus)

Cork, Dublin, Galway

Down

Lepidosaphes ulmi (Linnaeus)

Cavan, Clare, Cork, Dublin

Armagh, Fermanagh

Cryptococcus fagisuga Lindinger

Cork, Dublin, Laois

Antrim, Armagh, Down

Eriococcus devoniensis (Green)

Kerry

Asterodiaspis quercicola (Bouché, 1851). Requires confirmation as an Irish species. DUBLIN: no locality. Intercepted on Quercus sessiliflora laciniata (now sessile oak Quercus petraea) at Washington, D.C., U.S.A., by D. P. Limber, 7 January 1939 (Russell 1941). The Golden Pit Scale is a common and widely distributed species in Europe, the Middle East, South Africa, New Zealand and North America. It feeds on oak (Malumphy et al. 2008).

ERIOCOCCIDAE Felt scales

Asterodiaspis variolosa (Ratzeburg, 1870). New to Ireland (Fig. 1). CAVAN: Dún an Rí Forest Park, near Kingscourt (N8096), 26 May 1994, on oak Quercus sp., JPOC (det. CAG); CORK: Blarney Castle, 28 August 1994, small numbers of post-reproductive adult females on the twigs of several Pedunculate Oaks (Quercus robur), CM; Castlemartyr (W9673), 23 July 2009, on oak, CAG; DUBLIN: Phoenix Park near the Phoenix Monument (O1135), 12 April 1992, on oak, JPOC (det. CAG); WATERFORD: Old Court Hotel (S5410), 22 April 1992,

PSEUDOCOCCIDAE Mealybugs

ORTHEZIIDAE Ensign scales Arctorthezia cataphracta (Olafsen)

Cavan, Donegal, Dublin, Galway, Kerry, Mayo, Wicklow

Antrim, Armagh

Newsteadia floccosa (De Geer)

Ireland

Orthezia urticae (Linnaeus)

Ireland

Dysmicoccus walkeri (Newstead)

Ireland

Phenacoccus aceris (Signoret) Ripersiella halophila (Hardy)

Armagh Donegal

Trionymus perrisii (Signoret)

Antrim

Non-native introductions naturalised outdoors – 6 spp COCCIDAE Soft scales Pulvinaria floccifera (Westwood)

Dublin, Waterford


O’Connor, J.P., Gertsson, C. & Malumphy, C.


scale was originally found in England in a nest of the ant Formica nigra (now Lasius (Lasius) niger (L., 1758)) (Ben-Dov 2010a).

Table 1 (cont.). Status of scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) recorded in Ireland * = identity and presence of the species requires confirmation Scale insect species and status

Republic of Ireland

Pulvinaria regalis Canard

Cork, Dublin

Coccus hesperidum Linnaeus

Dublin


Ireland

‘glasshouses’

DIASPIDIDAE Armoured scales Aspidiotus nerii Bouché

Cork, Dublin

Carulaspis minima (Signoret)

Dublin, Waterford

PSEUDOCOCCIDAE Mealybugs Balanococcus diminutus (Leonardi)

Cork

Figure 1. Asterodiaspis variolosa forming a pit gall in the bark of pendunculate oak.

Non-native introductions established on indoor plantings – 9 spp COCCIDAE Soft scales Saissetia coffeae (Walker)

Dublin

Saissetia neglecta De Lotto

Dublin

on oak in the hotel grounds, JPOC (det. CAG); WICKLOW: Powerscourt Deerpark (O2012), 15 February 1993, on oak near the waterfall, JPOC (det. CAG) (all NMI). The Pit-making Oak Scale (Asterodiaspis variolosa) is a common cosmopolitan species that feeds on oak (Malumphy et al. 2008).

Armagh

DIASPIDIDAE Armoured scales Abgrallaspis cyanophylli (Signoret)

Dublin

Diaspis boisduvalii Signoret

Dublin

Pinnaspis aspidistrae (Signoret)

Dublin

Coccidae (Soft scales), Filippiinae

Pinnaspis buxi (Bouché)

Dublin

Gymnaspis aechmeae Newstead

Dublin

Eriopeltis festucae (Boyer de Fonscolombe, 1834). Requires confirmation as an Irish species. IRELAND (Green 1934). Because of nomenclatural uncertainties in the pre1975 literature, the actual distribution of the Cottony Grass Scale (Eriopeltis festucae) is poorly known. However it appears to be common in the steppe and forested areas of the Holarctic. The species lives on broad-leaved grasses (Kosztarab and Kozár 1988). Previous British records of E. festucae may refer to any of the three species of Eriopeltis now known to occur in Britain (Manawadu 1986). As a result, the presence of the scale in Ireland requires confirmation.

PSEUDOCOCCIDAE Mealybugs Planococcus citri (Risso)

Dublin

Rhizoecus falcifer Künckel d’Herculais

Dublin

Northern Ireland

Non-established introductions – 5 spp DIASPIDIDAE Armoured scales Chrysomphalus dictyospermi (Morgan)

Dublin

Fiorinia fioriniae (Targioni Tozzetti)

Ireland

Howardia biclavis (Comstock)

Ireland

Ischnaspis longirostris (Signoret)

Dublin

MONOPLEBIDAE Giant scale insects Icerya purchase Maskell Records considered invalid/unproven – 3 spp DIASPIDIDAE Armoured scales Leucaspis lowi Colvée Parlatoria pergandii Comstock KERMESIDAE Gall-like scales Kermes corticalis Nasonov

34 Irish Naturalists’ Journal Vol. 32 Part 1

Down

Eriopeltis lichtensteini Signoret, 1877. Requires confirmation as an Irish species. IRELAND (Kosztarab and Kozár 1988). Lichtenstein’s Cottony Scale (Eriopeltis lichtensteini) is a moderately frequent boreal species which occurs on grasses (Kosztarab and Kozár 1988). Lecanopsis formicarum Newstead, 1893. WEXFORD: Ballyteige Burrows, 14 May 1932, on sand dune in hollow of dunes, A. W. Stelfox (NMI). This specimen is reported by Green (1934). Newstead’s Soft Scale (Lecanopsis formicarum) is a Palaearctic species. Its hosts are Poaceae including Agropyron, Agrostis, Elymus, Festuca, Nardus and Poa. The

Lichtensia viburni Signoret, 1873. CORK: Lough Road, Cork City, 28 August 1994, large numbers of dead post-reproductive adult females, ovisacs, immature and vacated male tests on both sides of the foliage of Common Ivy (Hedera helix), CM; University College Cork, Cork City, 30 August 1994, large numbers on the foliage of common ivy in the main quadrangle, CM. IRELAND (BenDov 1993). The Viburnum Cushion Scale Lichtensia viburni is widespread on woody plants, most frequently on ivy (Hedera sp.) and Viburnum sp. (Malumphy 2009a). Coccinae, Pulvinariini Pulvinaria floccifera (Westwood, 1870). New to Ireland. DUBLIN: Castleknock (O0837), 26 July 2010, on Euonymus in a suburban garden, JPOC (det. CAG); WATERFORD: Lismore Castle (X0498), 25 July 2009, on yew (Taxus sp.) in the upper garden, CAG. The Cottony Camellia Scale (Pulvinaria floccifera) is a polyphagous species that originated in Asia but has now become cosmopolitan (Malumphy 2009a). It is remarkable that this conspicuous pest has not been previously recorded from Ireland. In Britain, it is extending its geographical distribution and host range. P. floccifera is becoming more significant as a plant pest there (Malumphy and Badmin 2007). Pulvinaria regalis Canard, 1968. CORK: Cork City (W67), July 1997, maple (Acer sp.) and lime (Tilia sp.), D. Dunne (O’Connor and Fox 2000); Dead, postreproductive adult females with ovisacs, were common and widespread on the trunks and main branches of trees throughout the centre of Cork City in 1994. Infestations then were relatively small in contrast to the heavy infestations seen on trees in urban areas of south-east England. One exception was a bay tree (Laurus nobilis) in Cork City with a moderate infestation; DUBLIN: Dublin City, Pembroke Road, Ballsbridge (O1732), 21 August 1992, on Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum), JPOC; Ballsbridge and Donnybrook (O1731), 1995, on trees, JPOC; Grand Canal (O1632), 1995, on trees, JPOC; Ranelagh (O1632), June 1998, on Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus), Karen Keating; Clyde Road (O1732), 12 May 1999, Lime, JPOC Irish Naturalists’ Journal Vol. 32 Part 1 35



scale was originally found in England in a nest of the ant Formica nigra (now Lasius (Lasius) niger (L., 1758)) (Ben-Dov 2010a).

Table 1 (cont.). Status of scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) recorded in Ireland * = identity and presence of the species requires confirmation Scale insect species and status

Republic of Ireland

Pulvinaria regalis Canard

Cork, Dublin

Coccus hesperidum Linnaeus

Dublin


Ireland

‘glasshouses’

DIASPIDIDAE Armoured scales Aspidiotus nerii Bouché

Cork, Dublin

Carulaspis minima (Signoret)

Dublin, Waterford

PSEUDOCOCCIDAE Mealybugs Balanococcus diminutus (Leonardi)

Cork

Figure 1. Asterodiaspis variolosa forming a pit gall in the bark of pendunculate oak.

Non-native introductions established on indoor plantings – 9 spp COCCIDAE Soft scales Saissetia coffeae (Walker)

Dublin

Saissetia neglecta De Lotto

Dublin

on oak in the hotel grounds, JPOC (det. CAG); WICKLOW: Powerscourt Deerpark (O2012), 15 February 1993, on oak near the waterfall, JPOC (det. CAG) (all NMI). The Pit-making Oak Scale (Asterodiaspis variolosa) is a common cosmopolitan species that feeds on oak (Malumphy et al. 2008).

Armagh

DIASPIDIDAE Armoured scales Abgrallaspis cyanophylli (Signoret)

Dublin

Diaspis boisduvalii Signoret

Dublin

Pinnaspis aspidistrae (Signoret)

Dublin

Coccidae (Soft scales), Filippiinae

Pinnaspis buxi (Bouché)

Dublin

Gymnaspis aechmeae Newstead

Dublin

Eriopeltis festucae (Boyer de Fonscolombe, 1834). Requires confirmation as an Irish species. IRELAND (Green 1934). Because of nomenclatural uncertainties in the pre1975 literature, the actual distribution of the Cottony Grass Scale (Eriopeltis festucae) is poorly known. However it appears to be common in the steppe and forested areas of the Holarctic. The species lives on broad-leaved grasses (Kosztarab and Kozár 1988). Previous British records of E. festucae may refer to any of the three species of Eriopeltis now known to occur in Britain (Manawadu 1986). As a result, the presence of the scale in Ireland requires confirmation.

PSEUDOCOCCIDAE Mealybugs Planococcus citri (Risso)

Dublin

Rhizoecus falcifer Künckel d’Herculais

Dublin

Northern Ireland

Non-established introductions – 5 spp DIASPIDIDAE Armoured scales Chrysomphalus dictyospermi (Morgan)

Dublin

Fiorinia fioriniae (Targioni Tozzetti)

Ireland

Howardia biclavis (Comstock)

Ireland

Ischnaspis longirostris (Signoret)

Dublin

MONOPLEBIDAE Giant scale insects Icerya purchase Maskell Records considered invalid/unproven – 3 spp DIASPIDIDAE Armoured scales Leucaspis lowi Colvée Parlatoria pergandii Comstock KERMESIDAE Gall-like scales Kermes corticalis Nasonov

34 Irish Naturalists’ Journal Vol. 32 Part 1

Down

Eriopeltis lichtensteini Signoret, 1877. Requires confirmation as an Irish species. IRELAND (Kosztarab and Kozár 1988). Lichtenstein’s Cottony Scale (Eriopeltis lichtensteini) is a moderately frequent boreal species which occurs on grasses (Kosztarab and Kozár 1988). Lecanopsis formicarum Newstead, 1893. WEXFORD: Ballyteige Burrows, 14 May 1932, on sand dune in hollow of dunes, A. W. Stelfox (NMI). This specimen is reported by Green (1934). Newstead’s Soft Scale (Lecanopsis formicarum) is a Palaearctic species. Its hosts are Poaceae including Agropyron, Agrostis, Elymus, Festuca, Nardus and Poa. The

Lichtensia viburni Signoret, 1873. CORK: Lough Road, Cork City, 28 August 1994, large numbers of dead post-reproductive adult females, ovisacs, immature and vacated male tests on both sides of the foliage of Common Ivy (Hedera helix), CM; University College Cork, Cork City, 30 August 1994, large numbers on the foliage of common ivy in the main quadrangle, CM. IRELAND (BenDov 1993). The Viburnum Cushion Scale Lichtensia viburni is widespread on woody plants, most frequently on ivy (Hedera sp.) and Viburnum sp. (Malumphy 2009a). Coccinae, Pulvinariini Pulvinaria floccifera (Westwood, 1870). New to Ireland. DUBLIN: Castleknock (O0837), 26 July 2010, on Euonymus in a suburban garden, JPOC (det. CAG); WATERFORD: Lismore Castle (X0498), 25 July 2009, on yew (Taxus sp.) in the upper garden, CAG. The Cottony Camellia Scale (Pulvinaria floccifera) is a polyphagous species that originated in Asia but has now become cosmopolitan (Malumphy 2009a). It is remarkable that this conspicuous pest has not been previously recorded from Ireland. In Britain, it is extending its geographical distribution and host range. P. floccifera is becoming more significant as a plant pest there (Malumphy and Badmin 2007). Pulvinaria regalis Canard, 1968. CORK: Cork City (W67), July 1997, maple (Acer sp.) and lime (Tilia sp.), D. Dunne (O’Connor and Fox 2000); Dead, postreproductive adult females with ovisacs, were common and widespread on the trunks and main branches of trees throughout the centre of Cork City in 1994. Infestations then were relatively small in contrast to the heavy infestations seen on trees in urban areas of south-east England. One exception was a bay tree (Laurus nobilis) in Cork City with a moderate infestation; DUBLIN: Dublin City, Pembroke Road, Ballsbridge (O1732), 21 August 1992, on Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum), JPOC; Ballsbridge and Donnybrook (O1731), 1995, on trees, JPOC; Grand Canal (O1632), 1995, on trees, JPOC; Ranelagh (O1632), June 1998, on Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus), Karen Keating; Clyde Road (O1732), 12 May 1999, Lime, JPOC Irish Naturalists’ Journal Vol. 32 Part 1 35



Figure 2. Pulvinaria vitis adult female and ovisac on hawthorn.

(identity confirmed by G. W. Watson) (all O’Connor and Fox 2000); Castleknock (O0837), 26 July 2010, on Sycamore in a suburban garden, JPOC (det. CAG). The horse-chestnut scale (Pulvinaria regalis) is a broadly polyphagous species that probably originated in Asia. It has become widespread in central and north-west Europe since the 1960s (Malumphy 2009a). The scale damages the appearance of trees and may affect their long-term health. The adult females die soon after laying their eggs. It is the combination of the masses of white wax, speckled brown with the dead females, which causes the visual nuisance so characteristic of large populations (Speight and Nicol 1984). Pulvinaria vitis (Linnaeus, 1758). (Fig. 2) CORK: University College Cork, Cork City, 30 August 1994, small numbers of dead postreproductive adult females with ovisacs on Flowering Currant (Ribes sanguineum) in the main quadrangle, CM; DUBLIN: no locality, greenhouse (Carpenter 1921); Drimnagh, 24 May 1948, on Flowering Currant, F. Dunne (det. CAG) (NMI). IRELAND (Green 1934, Ben-Dov et al. 2010). The Woolly Vine Scale (Pulvinaria vitis) is common in the Holarctic region where it feeds on a wide range of woody plants. The species is a pest of Ribes, Prunus and Vitis (Malumphy et al. 2008). Coccini Coccus hesperidum hesperidum Linnaeus, 1758. CORK: Shandon Street, Cork City, 28 August 1994, large numbers of adults and immature females on the foliage and twigs of an unidentified shrub, CM; DUBLIN: Castleknock (O0837), 26 July 2010, on Hedera in a suburban garden, JPOC (det. CAG). NORTHERN IRELAND: 1980, various glasshouse plants (Willis 1980). 36 Irish Naturalists’ Journal Vol. 32 Part 1

Figure 3. Eulecanium tiliae young adult female on hawthorn.

IRELAND (Green 1934 as Lecanium). The Brown Soft Scale (Coccus hesperidum) is cosmopolitan, being restricted to glasshouses and indoor plants in cooler regions although in recent years, it has become more common outdoors at more northerly latitudes, for example in northern England. The species is broadly polyphagous and a common, often serious pest of ornamental and crop plants grown outdoors and indoors (Malumphy et al. 2008). Eulecanium tiliae (Linnaeus, 1758). (Fig. 3) Synonymy: Eulecanium capreae (Linnaeus, 1767); Eulecanium coryli (Linnaeus, 1758) ANTRIM: no locality (Carpenter 1910 (as Lecanium capreae)); CAVAN: Ballyhaise, October 1906, twigs from a Peach tree (Prunus persica), G. O. Sherrard (Carpenter 1907 as Lecanium capreae. Plate xliii); CLARE: Newmarket, June 1909, P. Quealy (Carpenter, 1910 (as Lecanium capreae. “Done considerable damage to apple-trees for several years past”)); CORK: St Finbarr’s Road, Cork City, 28 August 1994, large numbers of postreproductive adult females on the apical twigs of Common Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), CM; WATERFORD: no locality, May 1913, Horse-Chestnuts, Frederick Moore (Carpenter 1914a (as Lecanium capreae)). IRELAND (Green 1934 (as Lecanium coryli), Hodgson 1994 (“April 1980, in a glasshouse, ex Acer sp., R. Dunne (BMNH)”)). The Nut Scale (Eulecanium tiliae) is common and widespread in Europe. The species is broadly polyphagous on woody plants and is an occasional pest of ornamentals (Malumphy et al. 2008).

Parthenolecanium corni corni (Bouché, 1844). Synonymy: Parthenolecanium persicae: auctt. Brit. partim, nec (Fabricius, 1776). CORK: University College Cork, Cork City, 30 August 1994, small numbers of dead post-reproductive adult females on Flowering Currant in the main quadrangle, CM; DUBLIN: Rathmines, June 1908, shoots of grape-vine (Vitaceae) with numerous female scales (Carpenter 1909 (as Lecanium persicae (Geoffr.)); Dublin, June 1904, found on rose (Rosa sp.) (det. CAG) (NMI). NORTHERN IRELAND: 1980, various glasshouse plants (Willis 1980). The Brown Scale (Parthenolecanium corni) occurs worldwide in temperate regions. The species is broad polyphagous, having a host plant list of more than 350 species and is an important pest of orchard, ornamental and forestry trees (Malumphy et al. 2008). Physokermes sp. TYRONE: no locality, November 1912, bark of Silver Fir (Abies alba) (Carpenter 1913 (as Chermes piceae, Kalt.)); WICKLOW: Delgany, end of November 1908, shoots of Silver Fir (Carpenter 1909 (“appeared to be the little known species C. piceae, Ratz [Chermes]”). The Spruce-bud Scale (Physokermes piceae (Schrank, 1801)), although a common species in Europe and North America, occurs on Picea spp. only. As a result, the Irish records may be instead of the small Spruce-bud Scale (P. hemicryphus (Dalman)) which can occur on Silver Fir (Kosztarab and Kozár 1988). In Britain, all records of P. piceae were recently found to be misidentifications of P. hemicryphus (Malumphy 2009b). The Irish status of P. piceae therefore requires confirmation. Saissetia coffeae (Walker, 1852). Synonymy: Saissetia clypeata (Douglas, 1888); Saissetia hemisphaerica (Targioni Tozzetti, 1867). ARMAGH: no locality, February 1888, on a fern, W. F. Johnson (Douglas 1888 (as Lecanium clypeatum)); DUBLIN: National Botanic Gardens, Zoological Gardens and domestic houses (O’Connor and Ashe 2000); Zoological Gardens (O1235), September 2010, numerous specimens on indoor plants in the Roberts House, JPOC (conf. J. H. Martin). NORTHERN IRELAND: 1980, various glasshouse plants (Willis 1980). IRELAND (Green 1934 (as Lecanium hemisphaericum)). The Hemispherical Scale (Saissetia coffeae) is cosmopolitan, becoming restricted to glasshouses and indoor plants in cooler regions. The species is broadly

polyphagous (Malumphy et al. 2008). Saissetia neglecta De Lotto, 1969. New to Ireland. DUBLIN: Cornelscourt, 22 February 1995, large numbers of all instars on the leaves and twigs of the Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina) under glass, B. Kennedy (FERA). The Caribbean Black Scale (Saissetia neglecta) is a polyphagous species which occurs widely in North, Central and South America, the Caribbean and the Pacific (Reuther et al. 1989). Its true distribution is unknown as in the past, it has been confused with the cosmopolitan S. oleae (Olivier). The Irish status of the species is unclear as it is only known from this single record. Diaspididae (armoured Aspidiotini

scales),

Diaspidinae,

Abgrallaspis cyanophylli (Signoret, 1869). No modern Irish records. DUBLIN: no locality, on sago cycad (Cycas revolute), Burbridge (Newstead 1901 (as Aspidiotus)). IRELAND (Green 1934 (as Aspidiotus)). The Cyanophyllum Scale Abgrallaspis cyanophylli is widespread throughout the tropical and subtropical areas of the world, and present under glass in temperate areas. The species is highly polyphagous and has been recorded from hosts belonging to 75 genera in 44 plant families but its host range is probably wider. It can be a serious pest (Watson 2002). The only Irish record is that reported by Newstead (1901). Aspidiotus nerii Bouché, 1833. Confirmed as an Irish species. Synonymy: Aspidiotus hederae (Vallot, 1829) misidentification. CORK: University College Cork, Cork City, 30 August 1994, small numbers of postreproductive adult females on the foliage and twigs of an unidentified ornamental shrub, CM; DUBLIN: St Stephen’s Green Park (O1633), 13 October 2008, on Euonymus fortunei, commonly known as Winter Wreeper or Wintercreeper and Fortune’s Spindle, CAG (det. F. Kozar). The Oleander Scale is cosmopolitan, being restricted to glasshouses and indoor plants in cooler regions. The species is broadly polyphagous and is a common pest of ornamentals and crops grown indoors and outdoors (Malumphy et al. 2008). Chrysomphalus dictyospermi (Morgan, 1889). No modern Irish records. DUBLIN: Botanical Gardens, on aroids (Araceae), Burbridge (Newstead 1901 (as Irish Naturalists’ Journal Vol. 32 Part 1 37



Figure 2. Pulvinaria vitis adult female and ovisac on hawthorn.

(identity confirmed by G. W. Watson) (all O’Connor and Fox 2000); Castleknock (O0837), 26 July 2010, on Sycamore in a suburban garden, JPOC (det. CAG). The horse-chestnut scale (Pulvinaria regalis) is a broadly polyphagous species that probably originated in Asia. It has become widespread in central and north-west Europe since the 1960s (Malumphy 2009a). The scale damages the appearance of trees and may affect their long-term health. The adult females die soon after laying their eggs. It is the combination of the masses of white wax, speckled brown with the dead females, which causes the visual nuisance so characteristic of large populations (Speight and Nicol 1984). Pulvinaria vitis (Linnaeus, 1758). (Fig. 2) CORK: University College Cork, Cork City, 30 August 1994, small numbers of dead postreproductive adult females with ovisacs on Flowering Currant (Ribes sanguineum) in the main quadrangle, CM; DUBLIN: no locality, greenhouse (Carpenter 1921); Drimnagh, 24 May 1948, on Flowering Currant, F. Dunne (det. CAG) (NMI). IRELAND (Green 1934, Ben-Dov et al. 2010). The Woolly Vine Scale (Pulvinaria vitis) is common in the Holarctic region where it feeds on a wide range of woody plants. The species is a pest of Ribes, Prunus and Vitis (Malumphy et al. 2008). Coccini Coccus hesperidum hesperidum Linnaeus, 1758. CORK: Shandon Street, Cork City, 28 August 1994, large numbers of adults and immature females on the foliage and twigs of an unidentified shrub, CM; DUBLIN: Castleknock (O0837), 26 July 2010, on Hedera in a suburban garden, JPOC (det. CAG). NORTHERN IRELAND: 1980, various glasshouse plants (Willis 1980). 36 Irish Naturalists’ Journal Vol. 32 Part 1

Figure 3. Eulecanium tiliae young adult female on hawthorn.

IRELAND (Green 1934 as Lecanium). The Brown Soft Scale (Coccus hesperidum) is cosmopolitan, being restricted to glasshouses and indoor plants in cooler regions although in recent years, it has become more common outdoors at more northerly latitudes, for example in northern England. The species is broadly polyphagous and a common, often serious pest of ornamental and crop plants grown outdoors and indoors (Malumphy et al. 2008). Eulecanium tiliae (Linnaeus, 1758). (Fig. 3) Synonymy: Eulecanium capreae (Linnaeus, 1767); Eulecanium coryli (Linnaeus, 1758) ANTRIM: no locality (Carpenter 1910 (as Lecanium capreae)); CAVAN: Ballyhaise, October 1906, twigs from a Peach tree (Prunus persica), G. O. Sherrard (Carpenter 1907 as Lecanium capreae. Plate xliii); CLARE: Newmarket, June 1909, P. Quealy (Carpenter, 1910 (as Lecanium capreae. “Done considerable damage to apple-trees for several years past”)); CORK: St Finbarr’s Road, Cork City, 28 August 1994, large numbers of postreproductive adult females on the apical twigs of Common Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), CM; WATERFORD: no locality, May 1913, Horse-Chestnuts, Frederick Moore (Carpenter 1914a (as Lecanium capreae)). IRELAND (Green 1934 (as Lecanium coryli), Hodgson 1994 (“April 1980, in a glasshouse, ex Acer sp., R. Dunne (BMNH)”)). The Nut Scale (Eulecanium tiliae) is common and widespread in Europe. The species is broadly polyphagous on woody plants and is an occasional pest of ornamentals (Malumphy et al. 2008).

Parthenolecanium corni corni (Bouché, 1844). Synonymy: Parthenolecanium persicae: auctt. Brit. partim, nec (Fabricius, 1776). CORK: University College Cork, Cork City, 30 August 1994, small numbers of dead post-reproductive adult females on Flowering Currant in the main quadrangle, CM; DUBLIN: Rathmines, June 1908, shoots of grape-vine (Vitaceae) with numerous female scales (Carpenter 1909 (as Lecanium persicae (Geoffr.)); Dublin, June 1904, found on rose (Rosa sp.) (det. CAG) (NMI). NORTHERN IRELAND: 1980, various glasshouse plants (Willis 1980). The Brown Scale (Parthenolecanium corni) occurs worldwide in temperate regions. The species is broad polyphagous, having a host plant list of more than 350 species and is an important pest of orchard, ornamental and forestry trees (Malumphy et al. 2008). Physokermes sp. TYRONE: no locality, November 1912, bark of Silver Fir (Abies alba) (Carpenter 1913 (as Chermes piceae, Kalt.)); WICKLOW: Delgany, end of November 1908, shoots of Silver Fir (Carpenter 1909 (“appeared to be the little known species C. piceae, Ratz [Chermes]”). The Spruce-bud Scale (Physokermes piceae (Schrank, 1801)), although a common species in Europe and North America, occurs on Picea spp. only. As a result, the Irish records may be instead of the small Spruce-bud Scale (P. hemicryphus (Dalman)) which can occur on Silver Fir (Kosztarab and Kozár 1988). In Britain, all records of P. piceae were recently found to be misidentifications of P. hemicryphus (Malumphy 2009b). The Irish status of P. piceae therefore requires confirmation. Saissetia coffeae (Walker, 1852). Synonymy: Saissetia clypeata (Douglas, 1888); Saissetia hemisphaerica (Targioni Tozzetti, 1867). ARMAGH: no locality, February 1888, on a fern, W. F. Johnson (Douglas 1888 (as Lecanium clypeatum)); DUBLIN: National Botanic Gardens, Zoological Gardens and domestic houses (O’Connor and Ashe 2000); Zoological Gardens (O1235), September 2010, numerous specimens on indoor plants in the Roberts House, JPOC (conf. J. H. Martin). NORTHERN IRELAND: 1980, various glasshouse plants (Willis 1980). IRELAND (Green 1934 (as Lecanium hemisphaericum)). The Hemispherical Scale (Saissetia coffeae) is cosmopolitan, becoming restricted to glasshouses and indoor plants in cooler regions. The species is broadly

polyphagous (Malumphy et al. 2008). Saissetia neglecta De Lotto, 1969. New to Ireland. DUBLIN: Cornelscourt, 22 February 1995, large numbers of all instars on the leaves and twigs of the Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina) under glass, B. Kennedy (FERA). The Caribbean Black Scale (Saissetia neglecta) is a polyphagous species which occurs widely in North, Central and South America, the Caribbean and the Pacific (Reuther et al. 1989). Its true distribution is unknown as in the past, it has been confused with the cosmopolitan S. oleae (Olivier). The Irish status of the species is unclear as it is only known from this single record. Diaspididae (armoured Aspidiotini

scales),

Diaspidinae,

Abgrallaspis cyanophylli (Signoret, 1869). No modern Irish records. DUBLIN: no locality, on sago cycad (Cycas revolute), Burbridge (Newstead 1901 (as Aspidiotus)). IRELAND (Green 1934 (as Aspidiotus)). The Cyanophyllum Scale Abgrallaspis cyanophylli is widespread throughout the tropical and subtropical areas of the world, and present under glass in temperate areas. The species is highly polyphagous and has been recorded from hosts belonging to 75 genera in 44 plant families but its host range is probably wider. It can be a serious pest (Watson 2002). The only Irish record is that reported by Newstead (1901). Aspidiotus nerii Bouché, 1833. Confirmed as an Irish species. Synonymy: Aspidiotus hederae (Vallot, 1829) misidentification. CORK: University College Cork, Cork City, 30 August 1994, small numbers of postreproductive adult females on the foliage and twigs of an unidentified ornamental shrub, CM; DUBLIN: St Stephen’s Green Park (O1633), 13 October 2008, on Euonymus fortunei, commonly known as Winter Wreeper or Wintercreeper and Fortune’s Spindle, CAG (det. F. Kozar). The Oleander Scale is cosmopolitan, being restricted to glasshouses and indoor plants in cooler regions. The species is broadly polyphagous and is a common pest of ornamentals and crops grown indoors and outdoors (Malumphy et al. 2008). Chrysomphalus dictyospermi (Morgan, 1889). No modern Irish records. DUBLIN: Botanical Gardens, on aroids (Araceae), Burbridge (Newstead 1901 (as Irish Naturalists’ Journal Vol. 32 Part 1 37



Aspidiotus dictyospermi (Morgan) var. arecae, (Newstead)). IRELAND (Green 1934). The Dictyospermum Scale (Chrysomphalus dictyospermi) is a cosmopolitan and highly polyphagous species (Watson 2002). The only Irish record is that reported by Newstead (1901). Diaspidiotus ostreaeformis (Curtis, 1843). IRELAND (Green 1934 (as Aspidiotus)). The Oystershell Scale (Diaspidiotus ostreaeformis) originated in the Palaearctic Region but is now widely distributed in other parts of the world. The species has been recorded from hosts, mostly trees, belonging to 41 genera and 18 plant families. The preferred hosts are deciduous fruit and nut trees in the family Rosaceae, and roses but it is also common on forest trees (Watson 2002). Diaspidiotus zonatus (Frauenfeld, 1868). New to Ireland. CORK: Castlemartyr (W9673), 23 July 2009, on oak, CAG; University College Cork, 30 August 1994, large numbers of post-reproductive adult females on twigs and immature males on the foliage and twigs of oak near the main quadrangle, CM; Youghal (X1077), 26 July 2009, on oak, CAG. The Zonate Armoured Scale (Diaspidiotus zonatus) is a European species that feeds on woody plants but is most frequently found on oak. The scale occurs widely in Great Britain but is rarely recorded perhaps because it is highly cryptic (Malumphy 2009a). Diaspidini, Diaspidina Aulacaspis rosae (Bouché, 1833). No modern Irish records. CORK: Clonakilty, November 1906, shoots of rose (Rosa sp.), P. J. Callan (Carpenter 1907); DONEGAL: Monellan, Killygordon, in abundance, Nicholson (Newstead 1901). IRELAND (Green 1934,). The Rose Scale is a cosmopolitan species that feeds most commonly on rosaceous hosts, especially on Rosa and Rubus (Malumphy et al. 2008). Carulaspis minima (Signoret, 1869). New to Ireland. DUBLIN: National Botanic Gardens (O1537), 30 October 2009, on juniper (Juniperus communis), CAG; WATERFORD: Lismore Castle (X0498), 25 July 2009, on Cypressaceae, CAG. Carulaspis minima is native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean region but due to transport of its ornamental host-plants, it is now widely distributed throughout the 38 Irish Naturalists’ Journal Vol. 32 Part 1

and indoor plants in cooler regions. The species is broadly polyphagous and a common pest of ornamentals and crops grown both indoors and outdoors (Malumphy et al. 2008). The only Irish record is that reported by Newstead (1901).

Figure 4. Chionaspis salicis adult female scales on willow.

world except for Australia and the Pacific islands. The species has been recorded from hosts belonging to three families of evergreen conifers (Cephalotaxaceae, Cypressaceae and Taxodiaceae) but especially on Juniperus (Watson 2002). Chionaspis salicis (Linnaeus, 1758). (Fig. 4) CORK: Blarney Castle, 28 August 1994, small numbers on the trunks of several Common Ash, CM; near Connaught Avenue, Cork City, 28 August 1994, small numbers on Common Ash (Fraxinus excelsior), CM; near Mardyke Walk and Togher Road, Cork City, 28 August 1994, large numbers of male tests and small numbers of post-reproductive adult females on the trunks of several Common Ash, CM; University College Cork, Cork City, 28 August 1994, small numbers on Common Ash near the main quadrangle, CM; DOWN: Rostrevor, March 1908, shoot of ash (Fraxinus sp.), J. W. Warburton (Carpenter 1909); DUBLIN: Slade Brook, Upper Glenamole, 1 October 1930, on the Eared Willow (Salix aurita), A. W. Stelfox (det. CAG) (NMI); GALWAY: Letterfrack, October, shoots of osier (Salix sp.), covered with female scales (det. R. Newstead) (Carpenter 1904); MAYO: Westport (Halbert 1912). IRELAND (Green 1934). The Willow Scale (Chionaspis salicis) is a common trans-Palaearctic species that also occurs in the Middle East and North America. It is broadly polyphagous and can be a serious pest of forest and ornamental trees and of Ribes (Malumphy et al. 2008). Diaspis boisduvalii Signoret, 1869. No modern Irish records. DUBLIN: Botanical Gardens, on Australian Cabbage Tree Palm (Corypha australis) (now Livistona (Corypha) australis), Burbridge (Newstead 1901). IRELAND (Green 1934). The Boisduval Scale (Diaspis boisduvalii) is cosmopolitan, being restricted to glasshouses

Fiorinia fioriniae (Targioni Tozzetti, 1867). No modern Irish records. IRELAND: no locality, under glass, pest on seedling palms (Newstead 1901, Green 1934 (as Aspidiotus)). Fiorinia fioriniae is a highly polyphagous tropicopolitan (i.e. common to the whole of the tropics) species that probably originated in eastern Asia. Its range now extends into some temperate areas where it occurs under glass. There have been no recent records of F. fioriniae in the United Kingdom and it is regarded as not established there (Watson 2002). The only Irish record is that reported by Newstead (1901) who gave no locality. Howardia biclavis (Comstock, 1883). No modern Irish records. IRELAND: Green says “specimens have been found in the conservatories of Ireland” (Newstead 1901 (as Chionaspis), Green 1934). The Burrowing Scale (Howardia biclavis) is tropicopolitan but also occurs under glass in temperate zones. The species is a highly polyphagous species that has been recorded from the bark of woody hosts belonging to 99 genera in 41 plant families (Watson 2002). The only Irish record is that reported by Newstead (1901) who gave no localities. Pinnaspis aspidistrae aspidistrae (Signoret, 1869). No modern Irish records. DUBLIN: Royal Botanic Gardens (now National Botanic Gardens), Glasnevin, March 1913, the fronds of filmy ferns (Hymenophyllaceae) bearing the brown female scales (Carpenter 1914a). IRELAND (Green 1934). Pinnaspis aspidistrae is a cosmopolitan, polyphagous and damaging species that occurs under glass in temperate regions but it prefers tropical or subtropical conditions. The only Irish record is that reported by Carpenter (1914a). Pinnaspis buxi (Bouché, 1851). No modern Irish records. DUBLIN: Botanical Gardens, on Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera deliciosa), Burbridge (Newstead 1901). IRELAND (Green 1934). The Screwpine Scale (Pinnaspis buxi) is a tropicopolitan species which was described originally from Australia but it may have

Figure 5. Lepidosaphes ulmi adult female on apple fruit.

originated in eastern Asia. In cold countries, it occurs under glass. The scale is polyphagous being recorded from hosts belonging to 42 genera in 21 plant families (Watson 2002). The only Irish record is that reported by Newstead (1901). Lepidosaphedina Ischnaspis longirostris (Signoret, 1882). No modern Irish records. Synonymy: Ischnaspis filiformis Douglas, 1887 DUBLIN: Botanical Gardens, on Ficus sp. (Moraceae), Burbridge (Newstead 1901 (as Ischnaspis filiformis)). IRELAND (Green 1934). Ischnaspis longirostris is polyphagous and has been recorded from hosts belonging to 63 genera belonging to 31 plant families. The species is tropicopolitan, probably of African origin. It is now common in glasshouses in temperate areas (Watson 2002). The only Irish record is that reported by Newstead (1901). Lepidosaphes ulmi (Linnaeus, 1758). (Fig. 5) Synonymy: Lepidosaphes pomorum (Bouché, 1851). ARMAGH: Loughgall, 1973, in two widely separated Apple (Malus domestica) orchards in the district (Willis 1973); CAVAN: Ballyhaise, October 1906, twigs from a Peach tree, terribly infested, G. O. Sherrard; CLARE: May, Apple trees (Carpenter 1907 (as Mytilaspis pomorum)); CORK: Lough Road, Cork City, 28 August 1994, small numbers of dead post-reproductive adult and immature females on the trunks, branches and apical twigs of Common Hawthorn and Common Whitebeam (Sorbus aria) in the bird sanctuary, CM; near Mardyke Walk, Cork City, 28 August 1994, small numbers of dead post-reproductive adult and immature females on the trunks, branches and apical twigs of Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia), CM; University College Cork, Cork City, large Irish Naturalists’ Journal Vol. 32 Part 1 39



Aspidiotus dictyospermi (Morgan) var. arecae, (Newstead)). IRELAND (Green 1934). The Dictyospermum Scale (Chrysomphalus dictyospermi) is a cosmopolitan and highly polyphagous species (Watson 2002). The only Irish record is that reported by Newstead (1901). Diaspidiotus ostreaeformis (Curtis, 1843). IRELAND (Green 1934 (as Aspidiotus)). The Oystershell Scale (Diaspidiotus ostreaeformis) originated in the Palaearctic Region but is now widely distributed in other parts of the world. The species has been recorded from hosts, mostly trees, belonging to 41 genera and 18 plant families. The preferred hosts are deciduous fruit and nut trees in the family Rosaceae, and roses but it is also common on forest trees (Watson 2002). Diaspidiotus zonatus (Frauenfeld, 1868). New to Ireland. CORK: Castlemartyr (W9673), 23 July 2009, on oak, CAG; University College Cork, 30 August 1994, large numbers of post-reproductive adult females on twigs and immature males on the foliage and twigs of oak near the main quadrangle, CM; Youghal (X1077), 26 July 2009, on oak, CAG. The Zonate Armoured Scale (Diaspidiotus zonatus) is a European species that feeds on woody plants but is most frequently found on oak. The scale occurs widely in Great Britain but is rarely recorded perhaps because it is highly cryptic (Malumphy 2009a). Diaspidini, Diaspidina Aulacaspis rosae (Bouché, 1833). No modern Irish records. CORK: Clonakilty, November 1906, shoots of rose (Rosa sp.), P. J. Callan (Carpenter 1907); DONEGAL: Monellan, Killygordon, in abundance, Nicholson (Newstead 1901). IRELAND (Green 1934,). The Rose Scale is a cosmopolitan species that feeds most commonly on rosaceous hosts, especially on Rosa and Rubus (Malumphy et al. 2008). Carulaspis minima (Signoret, 1869). New to Ireland. DUBLIN: National Botanic Gardens (O1537), 30 October 2009, on juniper (Juniperus communis), CAG; WATERFORD: Lismore Castle (X0498), 25 July 2009, on Cypressaceae, CAG. Carulaspis minima is native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean region but due to transport of its ornamental host-plants, it is now widely distributed throughout the 38 Irish Naturalists’ Journal Vol. 32 Part 1

and indoor plants in cooler regions. The species is broadly polyphagous and a common pest of ornamentals and crops grown both indoors and outdoors (Malumphy et al. 2008). The only Irish record is that reported by Newstead (1901).

Figure 4. Chionaspis salicis adult female scales on willow.

world except for Australia and the Pacific islands. The species has been recorded from hosts belonging to three families of evergreen conifers (Cephalotaxaceae, Cypressaceae and Taxodiaceae) but especially on Juniperus (Watson 2002). Chionaspis salicis (Linnaeus, 1758). (Fig. 4) CORK: Blarney Castle, 28 August 1994, small numbers on the trunks of several Common Ash, CM; near Connaught Avenue, Cork City, 28 August 1994, small numbers on Common Ash (Fraxinus excelsior), CM; near Mardyke Walk and Togher Road, Cork City, 28 August 1994, large numbers of male tests and small numbers of post-reproductive adult females on the trunks of several Common Ash, CM; University College Cork, Cork City, 28 August 1994, small numbers on Common Ash near the main quadrangle, CM; DOWN: Rostrevor, March 1908, shoot of ash (Fraxinus sp.), J. W. Warburton (Carpenter 1909); DUBLIN: Slade Brook, Upper Glenamole, 1 October 1930, on the Eared Willow (Salix aurita), A. W. Stelfox (det. CAG) (NMI); GALWAY: Letterfrack, October, shoots of osier (Salix sp.), covered with female scales (det. R. Newstead) (Carpenter 1904); MAYO: Westport (Halbert 1912). IRELAND (Green 1934). The Willow Scale (Chionaspis salicis) is a common trans-Palaearctic species that also occurs in the Middle East and North America. It is broadly polyphagous and can be a serious pest of forest and ornamental trees and of Ribes (Malumphy et al. 2008). Diaspis boisduvalii Signoret, 1869. No modern Irish records. DUBLIN: Botanical Gardens, on Australian Cabbage Tree Palm (Corypha australis) (now Livistona (Corypha) australis), Burbridge (Newstead 1901). IRELAND (Green 1934). The Boisduval Scale (Diaspis boisduvalii) is cosmopolitan, being restricted to glasshouses

Fiorinia fioriniae (Targioni Tozzetti, 1867). No modern Irish records. IRELAND: no locality, under glass, pest on seedling palms (Newstead 1901, Green 1934 (as Aspidiotus)). Fiorinia fioriniae is a highly polyphagous tropicopolitan (i.e. common to the whole of the tropics) species that probably originated in eastern Asia. Its range now extends into some temperate areas where it occurs under glass. There have been no recent records of F. fioriniae in the United Kingdom and it is regarded as not established there (Watson 2002). The only Irish record is that reported by Newstead (1901) who gave no locality. Howardia biclavis (Comstock, 1883). No modern Irish records. IRELAND: Green says “specimens have been found in the conservatories of Ireland” (Newstead 1901 (as Chionaspis), Green 1934). The Burrowing Scale (Howardia biclavis) is tropicopolitan but also occurs under glass in temperate zones. The species is a highly polyphagous species that has been recorded from the bark of woody hosts belonging to 99 genera in 41 plant families (Watson 2002). The only Irish record is that reported by Newstead (1901) who gave no localities. Pinnaspis aspidistrae aspidistrae (Signoret, 1869). No modern Irish records. DUBLIN: Royal Botanic Gardens (now National Botanic Gardens), Glasnevin, March 1913, the fronds of filmy ferns (Hymenophyllaceae) bearing the brown female scales (Carpenter 1914a). IRELAND (Green 1934). Pinnaspis aspidistrae is a cosmopolitan, polyphagous and damaging species that occurs under glass in temperate regions but it prefers tropical or subtropical conditions. The only Irish record is that reported by Carpenter (1914a). Pinnaspis buxi (Bouché, 1851). No modern Irish records. DUBLIN: Botanical Gardens, on Swiss Cheese Plant (Monstera deliciosa), Burbridge (Newstead 1901). IRELAND (Green 1934). The Screwpine Scale (Pinnaspis buxi) is a tropicopolitan species which was described originally from Australia but it may have

Figure 5. Lepidosaphes ulmi adult female on apple fruit.

originated in eastern Asia. In cold countries, it occurs under glass. The scale is polyphagous being recorded from hosts belonging to 42 genera in 21 plant families (Watson 2002). The only Irish record is that reported by Newstead (1901). Lepidosaphedina Ischnaspis longirostris (Signoret, 1882). No modern Irish records. Synonymy: Ischnaspis filiformis Douglas, 1887 DUBLIN: Botanical Gardens, on Ficus sp. (Moraceae), Burbridge (Newstead 1901 (as Ischnaspis filiformis)). IRELAND (Green 1934). Ischnaspis longirostris is polyphagous and has been recorded from hosts belonging to 63 genera belonging to 31 plant families. The species is tropicopolitan, probably of African origin. It is now common in glasshouses in temperate areas (Watson 2002). The only Irish record is that reported by Newstead (1901). Lepidosaphes ulmi (Linnaeus, 1758). (Fig. 5) Synonymy: Lepidosaphes pomorum (Bouché, 1851). ARMAGH: Loughgall, 1973, in two widely separated Apple (Malus domestica) orchards in the district (Willis 1973); CAVAN: Ballyhaise, October 1906, twigs from a Peach tree, terribly infested, G. O. Sherrard; CLARE: May, Apple trees (Carpenter 1907 (as Mytilaspis pomorum)); CORK: Lough Road, Cork City, 28 August 1994, small numbers of dead post-reproductive adult and immature females on the trunks, branches and apical twigs of Common Hawthorn and Common Whitebeam (Sorbus aria) in the bird sanctuary, CM; near Mardyke Walk, Cork City, 28 August 1994, small numbers of dead post-reproductive adult and immature females on the trunks, branches and apical twigs of Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia), CM; University College Cork, Cork City, large Irish Naturalists’ Journal Vol. 32 Part 1 39



numbers on the twigs of an unidentified shrub in the main quadrangle, CM; DUBLIN: Blackrock, 14 January 1891 (det. CAG) (NMI); FERMANAGH: Enniskillen, March and May 1908, shoots of Apple trees infested, Mr Brook (Carpenter 1909 (as Mytilaspis pomorum)). IRELAND (Green 1934). The Mussel Scale (Lepidosaphes ulmi) is a very common, cosmopolitan and polyphagous species that is a serious pest of orchards, forest and ornamental trees (Malumphy et al. 2008). Parlatoriini, Gymnaspidina Gymnaspis aechmeae Newstead, 1898. DUBLIN: Albert Agricultural College, on Queen’s-tears (Bilbergia nutans), J. Carrol (Green 1934). The Fly Speck Scale (Gymnaspis aechmeae) occurs in the neotropics and occasionally in botanical collections grown under glass throughout the world, most commonly on bromeliads. The scale cover has the appearance of fly defecation (Malumphy et al. 2008). Leucaspidina Leucaspis lowi Colvée, 1882. Deleted as an Irish species. IRELAND (Balachowsky 1953, Ben-Dov et al. 2010). Löw’s Pine Scale Leucaspis lowi occurs widely in the Western Palaearctic on Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris) (Malumphy, Ostrauskas and Pye 2008). Balachowsky (1953) recorded L. lowi as present in Britain and Ireland without providing any details. This was apparently based on a misinterpretation of Morgan (1892) who reported L. lowi (misidientifed as L. pini) from Portugal (Boratynski and Williams 1964). Ben-Dov et al. (2010) merely repeated this record. There are no slides of L. lowi deposited at the Natural History Museum, London (Dr Jon Martin, pers. comm., 2010) or at Fera (second largest scale collection in Britain) from Ireland or Britain. CM has searched for Leucaspis on Pinus in Britain for 20 years with no success and believes that these records for Britain and Ireland are errors. L. lowi should be deleted therefore from the Irish list. Parlatoria Parlatoria pergandii Comstock, 1881. Deleted as an Irish species. IRELAND (Merrill and Chaffin 1923, BenDov et al. 2010). Parlatoria pergandii is widely distributed throughout the tropical and subtropical areas of the world, especially in 40 Irish Naturalists’ Journal Vol. 32 Part 1

Figure 6. Eriococcus devoniensis adult female inside a felt cover inducing the stem of cross-leaved heather to bend.

Figure 7. Newsteadia floccosa adult female covered in wax plates on moss.

countries where Citrus is grown. In northern countries, it is only found under glass. The species is polyphagous and has been recorded from hosts belonging to 72 genera in 17 plant families (Watson 2002). Merrill and Chaffin’s (1923) record is unreliable and probably based on an interception on citrus fruit. They also recorded P. pergandii as present in England, which it is not. Ben-Dov et al. (2010) followed this mistake. P. pergandii should be deleted therefore from the Irish list.

(Carpenter 1910 (as Cryptococcus fagi)). IRELAND (Green 1934 (as Cryptococcus fagi)). The Beech Scale (Cryptococcus fagisuga) is a European species which has been introduced into North America. The insect feeds on Beech and is associated with the transmission of beech bark disease (Malumphy 2009a).

Eriococcidae (felt scales) Cryptococcus fagisuga Lindinger, 1936. Synonymy Cryptococcus fagi (Bärensprung, 1849). ANTRIM: Ballynafeigh, on Beech (Fagus sylvatica) boles (Stendall 1922); River Lagan at Shaw’s Bridge (J3269), 13 June 1933, an almost dead Beech tree thickly infested on trunk and large branches (Anon. 1933 (as Cryptococcus fagi)); ARMAGH: Rostrevor, March 1902, J.W. Warburton, pieces of beech bark, covered with multitudes (det. R. Newstead) (Carpenter 1903 (as Cryptococcus fagi)); CORK: Blarney Castle, 28 August 1994, large numbers on the trunks of several Beech, CM; University College Cork, Cork City, 30 August 1994, large numbers of adult females on the trunk of a Beech in the main quadrangle, CM; Youghal (X1077), 22 July 2009, on beech, CAG; DOWN: Waringstown, May 1909, H. Waring (Carpenter 1910 (as Cryptococcus fagi. “All the old trees on his grounds had been attacked by this pest during recent years; and that after about seven years endurance the trees died off”)); DUBLIN: Dublin, Burbridge (Newstead 1903 (as Cryptococcus fagi)); Ballsbridge, Botanic Gardens of Dublin University, on Beech, F. W. Burbridge (Carpenter 1903 (as Cryptococcus fagi)); LAOIS (Queen’s County): no locality

Eriococcus devoniensis (Green, 1896). (Fig. 6) KERRY: Mt Mangerton, August 1943, in Sphagnum, R.S. Bagnall (Williams 1985).The Heather Felt Scale (Eriococcus devoniensis) is a European species which feeds on Ericaceae. The insect causes characteristic distortion of the stem on Erica spp., resulting in the stem curling tightly around the insect (Malumphy 2009a). Kermesidae (gall-like scales) Kermes corticalis Nasonov, 1908. Deleted as an Irish species. DUBLIN: Dublin, end of May 1908, branches of Scots Pine from a garden (Carpenter 1909 (as Chermes corticalis (Kaltenbach)). All European species of Kermes feed exclusively on oaks (Quercus spp.) and there are no Kermesidae recorded from Pinaceae. The Southern Kermes (Kermes corticalis) is a rare European species known from Georgia, Italy and the Ukraine (Kosztarab and Kozár 1988). Since it infests bark crevices on the trunk and branches of Quercus spp., the Irish record is certainly erroneous and therefore should be deleted from the Irish list. Monoplebidae (giant scale insects) Icerya purchasi Maskell, 1878. Eradicated as an Irish species. DOWN: Dundonald, 1959, confined to a five year-old Peach tree in a glasshouse (Anon. 1959); Greyabbey, 1956, in some glasshouses on Citrus and Acacia plants (Anon. 1956,

Figure 8.   Phenacoccus on pendunculate oak.

aceris

adult

female

1959). The Cottony Cushion Scale or Fluted Scale (Icerya purchasi) occurs widely in tropical, subtropical and warm temperate areas. I. purchasi is broadly polyphagous and in Britain, frequently found on Citrus and Laurus imported from the Mediterranean. The species is naturalized in the London area (Malumphy 2009a). The Northern Ireland populations were eradicated. Ortheziidae (ensign scales) Arctorthezia cataphracta (Olafsen, 1772). Synonymy: Arctorthezia cataphracta (Shaw, 1794). ANTRIM; ARMAGH; CAVAN; DONEGAL; DUBLIN; GALWAY; KERRY; MAYO; WICKLOW (Carpenter 1894, Newstead 1903, Halbert 1912, O’Connor and Waldren 1995). New record: KERRY: near the Sugar loaf, Dingle, Dingle peninsula, 2 September 1994, small numbers of immature and adult females on the dead foliage of ?Agrostis sp. (Poaceae), CM. IRELAND (Douglas 1881, Newstead 1903 (as Arctorthezia cataphracta (Shaw)), Morrison 1925 (as Orthezia cataphracta (Shaw)), Green 1934 (as Orthezia). The Alpine Ensign Scale Arctorthezia cataphracta is a Holarctic, woodland, montane species that occurs in damp habitats. The species is found among mosses or lichens, or on the roots of a range of grasses and other herbaceous plants (Malumphy 2009a). Newsteadia floccosa (De Geer, 1778). (Fig. 7) IRELAND (Green 1934 (as Pseudococcus)). The Boreal Ensign Scale Newsteadia floccosa is a Palaearctic woodland species that occurs in damp habitats. The species is found among mosses or lichens and leaf litter, or on the roots of a wide range of herbaceous and woody plants (Malumphy 2009a). Irish Naturalists’ Journal Vol. 32 Part 1 41



numbers on the twigs of an unidentified shrub in the main quadrangle, CM; DUBLIN: Blackrock, 14 January 1891 (det. CAG) (NMI); FERMANAGH: Enniskillen, March and May 1908, shoots of Apple trees infested, Mr Brook (Carpenter 1909 (as Mytilaspis pomorum)). IRELAND (Green 1934). The Mussel Scale (Lepidosaphes ulmi) is a very common, cosmopolitan and polyphagous species that is a serious pest of orchards, forest and ornamental trees (Malumphy et al. 2008). Parlatoriini, Gymnaspidina Gymnaspis aechmeae Newstead, 1898. DUBLIN: Albert Agricultural College, on Queen’s-tears (Bilbergia nutans), J. Carrol (Green 1934). The Fly Speck Scale (Gymnaspis aechmeae) occurs in the neotropics and occasionally in botanical collections grown under glass throughout the world, most commonly on bromeliads. The scale cover has the appearance of fly defecation (Malumphy et al. 2008). Leucaspidina Leucaspis lowi Colvée, 1882. Deleted as an Irish species. IRELAND (Balachowsky 1953, Ben-Dov et al. 2010). Löw’s Pine Scale Leucaspis lowi occurs widely in the Western Palaearctic on Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris) (Malumphy, Ostrauskas and Pye 2008). Balachowsky (1953) recorded L. lowi as present in Britain and Ireland without providing any details. This was apparently based on a misinterpretation of Morgan (1892) who reported L. lowi (misidientifed as L. pini) from Portugal (Boratynski and Williams 1964). Ben-Dov et al. (2010) merely repeated this record. There are no slides of L. lowi deposited at the Natural History Museum, London (Dr Jon Martin, pers. comm., 2010) or at Fera (second largest scale collection in Britain) from Ireland or Britain. CM has searched for Leucaspis on Pinus in Britain for 20 years with no success and believes that these records for Britain and Ireland are errors. L. lowi should be deleted therefore from the Irish list. Parlatoria Parlatoria pergandii Comstock, 1881. Deleted as an Irish species. IRELAND (Merrill and Chaffin 1923, BenDov et al. 2010). Parlatoria pergandii is widely distributed throughout the tropical and subtropical areas of the world, especially in 40 Irish Naturalists’ Journal Vol. 32 Part 1

Figure 6. Eriococcus devoniensis adult female inside a felt cover inducing the stem of cross-leaved heather to bend.

Figure 7. Newsteadia floccosa adult female covered in wax plates on moss.

countries where Citrus is grown. In northern countries, it is only found under glass. The species is polyphagous and has been recorded from hosts belonging to 72 genera in 17 plant families (Watson 2002). Merrill and Chaffin’s (1923) record is unreliable and probably based on an interception on citrus fruit. They also recorded P. pergandii as present in England, which it is not. Ben-Dov et al. (2010) followed this mistake. P. pergandii should be deleted therefore from the Irish list.

(Carpenter 1910 (as Cryptococcus fagi)). IRELAND (Green 1934 (as Cryptococcus fagi)). The Beech Scale (Cryptococcus fagisuga) is a European species which has been introduced into North America. The insect feeds on Beech and is associated with the transmission of beech bark disease (Malumphy 2009a).

Eriococcidae (felt scales) Cryptococcus fagisuga Lindinger, 1936. Synonymy Cryptococcus fagi (Bärensprung, 1849). ANTRIM: Ballynafeigh, on Beech (Fagus sylvatica) boles (Stendall 1922); River Lagan at Shaw’s Bridge (J3269), 13 June 1933, an almost dead Beech tree thickly infested on trunk and large branches (Anon. 1933 (as Cryptococcus fagi)); ARMAGH: Rostrevor, March 1902, J.W. Warburton, pieces of beech bark, covered with multitudes (det. R. Newstead) (Carpenter 1903 (as Cryptococcus fagi)); CORK: Blarney Castle, 28 August 1994, large numbers on the trunks of several Beech, CM; University College Cork, Cork City, 30 August 1994, large numbers of adult females on the trunk of a Beech in the main quadrangle, CM; Youghal (X1077), 22 July 2009, on beech, CAG; DOWN: Waringstown, May 1909, H. Waring (Carpenter 1910 (as Cryptococcus fagi. “All the old trees on his grounds had been attacked by this pest during recent years; and that after about seven years endurance the trees died off”)); DUBLIN: Dublin, Burbridge (Newstead 1903 (as Cryptococcus fagi)); Ballsbridge, Botanic Gardens of Dublin University, on Beech, F. W. Burbridge (Carpenter 1903 (as Cryptococcus fagi)); LAOIS (Queen’s County): no locality

Eriococcus devoniensis (Green, 1896). (Fig. 6) KERRY: Mt Mangerton, August 1943, in Sphagnum, R.S. Bagnall (Williams 1985).The Heather Felt Scale (Eriococcus devoniensis) is a European species which feeds on Ericaceae. The insect causes characteristic distortion of the stem on Erica spp., resulting in the stem curling tightly around the insect (Malumphy 2009a). Kermesidae (gall-like scales) Kermes corticalis Nasonov, 1908. Deleted as an Irish species. DUBLIN: Dublin, end of May 1908, branches of Scots Pine from a garden (Carpenter 1909 (as Chermes corticalis (Kaltenbach)). All European species of Kermes feed exclusively on oaks (Quercus spp.) and there are no Kermesidae recorded from Pinaceae. The Southern Kermes (Kermes corticalis) is a rare European species known from Georgia, Italy and the Ukraine (Kosztarab and Kozár 1988). Since it infests bark crevices on the trunk and branches of Quercus spp., the Irish record is certainly erroneous and therefore should be deleted from the Irish list. Monoplebidae (giant scale insects) Icerya purchasi Maskell, 1878. Eradicated as an Irish species. DOWN: Dundonald, 1959, confined to a five year-old Peach tree in a glasshouse (Anon. 1959); Greyabbey, 1956, in some glasshouses on Citrus and Acacia plants (Anon. 1956,

Figure 8.   Phenacoccus on pendunculate oak.

aceris

adult

female

1959). The Cottony Cushion Scale or Fluted Scale (Icerya purchasi) occurs widely in tropical, subtropical and warm temperate areas. I. purchasi is broadly polyphagous and in Britain, frequently found on Citrus and Laurus imported from the Mediterranean. The species is naturalized in the London area (Malumphy 2009a). The Northern Ireland populations were eradicated. Ortheziidae (ensign scales) Arctorthezia cataphracta (Olafsen, 1772). Synonymy: Arctorthezia cataphracta (Shaw, 1794). ANTRIM; ARMAGH; CAVAN; DONEGAL; DUBLIN; GALWAY; KERRY; MAYO; WICKLOW (Carpenter 1894, Newstead 1903, Halbert 1912, O’Connor and Waldren 1995). New record: KERRY: near the Sugar loaf, Dingle, Dingle peninsula, 2 September 1994, small numbers of immature and adult females on the dead foliage of ?Agrostis sp. (Poaceae), CM. IRELAND (Douglas 1881, Newstead 1903 (as Arctorthezia cataphracta (Shaw)), Morrison 1925 (as Orthezia cataphracta (Shaw)), Green 1934 (as Orthezia). The Alpine Ensign Scale Arctorthezia cataphracta is a Holarctic, woodland, montane species that occurs in damp habitats. The species is found among mosses or lichens, or on the roots of a range of grasses and other herbaceous plants (Malumphy 2009a). Newsteadia floccosa (De Geer, 1778). (Fig. 7) IRELAND (Green 1934 (as Pseudococcus)). The Boreal Ensign Scale Newsteadia floccosa is a Palaearctic woodland species that occurs in damp habitats. The species is found among mosses or lichens and leaf litter, or on the roots of a wide range of herbaceous and woody plants (Malumphy 2009a). Irish Naturalists’ Journal Vol. 32 Part 1 41


Orthezia urticae (Linnaeus, 1758). IRELAND (Green 1934). IRISH ORIGIN: new collection records for O. urticae include a specimen from Ireland on Pyrus falconnet (perhaps originally in packing material) collected at quarantine, Apr. 22, 1929, by W. B. Wood (pre-adult only) (Morrison 1952). However, interception data, particularly based on a single record, are unreliable. The Nettle Ensign Scale or Ensign Coccid (Orthezia urticae) is trans-Palaearctic in distribution. It occurs in moist deciduous and mixed biotopes, also in marshes in the herbaceous and dwarf shrub layers. The species is often found in anthropogenic habitats. O. urticae is polyphagous (Kosztarab and Kozár 1988). Pseudococcidae (mealybugs) Balanococcus diminutus (Leonardi, 1918). New to Ireland. CORK: South Mall, Cork City, 29 August 1994, several adult females causing a conspicuous dirty infestation, with thick waxy deposits and sooty mould, on the leaf bases of New Zealand Flax (Phormium tenax), CM. The Phormium Mealybug (Balanococcus diminutus) originated from New Zealand and was first recorded in England in 1977 and the following year was found on New Zealand Flax which had been imported from Ireland ten years beforehand (Bartlett 1981). It has naturalized widely in England and Wales on New Zealand Flax (Malumphy 2009a). Dysmicoccus walkeri (Newstead, 1891). IRELAND (Green 1934 (as Pseudococcus)). Walker’s mealybug (Dysmicoccus walkeri) is trans-Palaearctic in distribution. Its hosts are various herbaceous plants, occurring on the leaves and in the leaf sheaths (Kosztarab and Kozár 1988). Phenacoccus aceris (Signoret, 1875). (Fig. 8) ARMAGH: no locality, May 1913, at midsummer, apple shoots covered with ovisacs, the females, eggs and larvae being numerous (Carpenter 1914a, 1914b (as Pseudococcus)); Loughgall, 1973, breeding in three widely separated apple orchards in the district (Willis 1973). IRELAND (Green 1934). The Polyphagous Tree Mealybug (Phenacoccus aceris) is a common Holarctic species, broadly polyphagous on woody plants (Malumphy et al. 2008). Planococcus citri (Risso, 1813). DUBLIN: Cornelscourt, 22 February 1995, large numbers of all instars on the leaves and twigs of the Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina) 42 Irish Naturalists’ Journal Vol. 32 Part 1


under glass, B. Kennedy (FERA); Lambay Island (Halbert 1907 as Pseudococcus). NORTHERN IRELAND: 1964, a single sprouting potato tuber brought in from West Africa by a returning Northern Ireland resident, was found to be appreciably infested with the Mealy Bug (Anon 1964). The Citrus Mealybug is a cosmopolitan and polyphagous species that is very common on indoor plantings throughout Britain (Malumphy 2009a). Rhizoecus falcifer Künckel d’Herculais, 1878. DUBLIN: on the roots of Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum sp.), March 1901 (Williams 1962). The Ground or Root Mealybug is now known from many parts of the world. In Britain, it is found only in greenhouses on the roots of numerous plants and is, apparently, quite common (Williams 1962). Ripersiella halophila (Hardy, 1868). DONEGAL: among turf, August 1942, J. Lister (Williams 1962); KERRY: near Capp an Cheapaigh, Dingle peninsula, Dingle, 2 September 1994, adult females and numerous waxy deposits on the roots of Bell Heather (Erica cinerea), grasses and mosses, CM. Ripersiella halophila is Palaearctic in distribution. The species occurs on the roots of its host plants which belong to the Compositae, Crassulaceae, Ericaceae, Plumbaginaceae, Poaceae and Umbelliferae (Ben-Dov 1994, 2010b). Trionymus perrisii perrisii (Signoret, 1875). Synonymy: Dactylopius hibernicus Newstead, 1895. ANTRIM: Ballintoy, 3 September 1893, in the “crowns” of a species of grass in sandy soil, on a chalk cliff close to the sea, Miss Tomlin (Newstead 1895 (as Dactylopius hibernicus), Newstead 1903 (as Dactylopius hibernicus), Williams 1962). IRELAND (Green 1934 (as Pseudococcus)). Perris’ Grass Mealybug (Trionymus perrisii) is a common transPalaearctic species. Mesophilous, it occurs on the stems and leaf sheaths of grasses (Ben-Dov 1994, Kosztarab and Kozár 1988). Acknowledgements The authors are very grateful to Dr Ferenc Kozár, Department of Zoology, Plant Protection Institute, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary, for identifying Aspidiotus nerii, Dr Jon H. Martin of the Natural History Museum, London, for confirming the identity of Saissetia coffeae, and the following librarians

for supplying literature: Ms Orla Fitzpatrick (NMI), Ms Siobhán Fitzpatrick (Royal Irish Academy), Ms Evelyn Leahy (Department of Agriculture, Dublin) and Ms Val McAteer (Royal Entomological Society). References Anon. (1933) Proceedings and Annual Report of the Belfast Naturalists’ Field Club 9: 227. Anon. (1956) Agricultural Entomology Division. The Research and Experimental Record of the Ministry of Agriculture Northern Ireland 6: 119-123. Anon. (1959) Agricultural Entomology Division. The Research and Experimental Record of the Ministry of Agriculture Northern Ireland 9: 155-168. Anon. (1964) Agricultural Entomology Division Annual Progress Report on Research and Technical Work 1964: 5-16. Ministry of Agriculture Northern Ireland. Balachowsky, A. S. (1953) Les cochenilles de France d’Europe, du Nord de l’Afrique, et du bassin Méditerranéen. VII. - Monographie des Coccoidea; Diaspidinae-IV, OdonaspidiniParlatorini. Actualités Scientifiques et Industrielles 1202: 725-929. Bartlett, P. W. (1981) Trionymus diminutus (Leonardi) (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae) infesting New Zealand flax in England. Plant Pathology 30: 56-58. Ben-Dov, Y. (1993) A systematic catalogue of the soft scale insects of the world. Florida State Handbook No. 9. Sandhill Crane Press Inc., Gainesville, Florida. Ben-Dov, Y. (1994) A systematic catalogue of the mealybugs of the world (Insecta: Homoptera: Coccoidea: Pseudococcidae and Putoidae) with data on geographical distribution, host plants, biology and economic importance. Intercept Limited, Andover, U.K. Ben-Dov, Y. (2006) A systematic catalogue of eight scale insect families (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) of the world. Elsevier, Amsterdam. Ben-Dov, Y. (2010a) Coccidae. Lecanopsis formicarum Newstead. ScaleNet database. Updated to 20 July 2010. Online at: http:// www.sel.barc.usda.gov/catalogs/coccidae/ Lecanopsisformicarum.htm. Date accessed: 14 September 2010 Ben-Dov, Y. (2010b) Pseudococcidae. ScaleNet, Ripersiella halophila (Hardy). ScaleNet database. Updated to 20 July 2010. Online at:http://www.sel.barc.usda.gov/catalogs/ pseudococcidae/Ripersiellahalophila.htm. Date accessed: 14 September 2010 Ben-Dov, Y., Miller, D.R. and Gibson, G.A.P. (2010) ScaleNet, Scales in a Country Query

Results. ScaleNet database. Updated to 20 July 2010. Online at: http://www.sel.barc.usda. gov/scalecgi/region.exe?region Date accessed: 12 September 2010 Boratynski, K.L. and Williams, D. J. (1964). A note on some British Coccoidea, with new additions to the British Fauna. Proceedings of the Royal Entomological Society of London, Series B: Taxonomy 33: 103-110. Carpenter, G. H. (1894) Proceedings of Irish Societies. Dublin Microscopical Club. Irish Naturalist 3: 109-110. Carpenter, G. H. (1903) Injurious insects and other animals observed in Ireland during the year 1902. Economic Proceedings of the Royal Dublin Society 1: 195-218, plates vii-viii. Carpenter, G. H. (1904) Injurious insects and other animals observed in Ireland during the year 1903. Economic Proceedings of the Royal Dublin Society 1: 249-266, plates xxi-xxii. Carpenter, G. H. (1907) Injurious insects and other animals observed in Ireland during the year 1906. Economic Proceedings of the Royal Dublin Society 1: 421-452, plates xxxix-xliv. Carpenter, G. H. (1909) Injurious insects and other animals observed in Ireland during the year 1908. Economic Proceedings of the Royal Dublin Society 1: 589-611, plates lv-lix. Carpenter, G. H. (1910) Injurious insects and other animals observed in Ireland during the year 1909. Economic Proceedings of the Royal Dublin Society 2: 8-30, plate ii. Carpenter, G. H. (1913) Injurious insects and other animals observed in Ireland during the year 1912. Economic Proceedings of the Royal Dublin Society 2: 79-104, plates x-xi. Carpenter, G. H. (1914a) Injurious insects and other animals observed in Ireland during the year 1913. Economic Proceedings of the Royal Dublin Society 2: 142-160, plate xiii. Carpenter, G. H. (1914b) Dublin Microscopical Club. Irish Naturalist 23: 122. Carpenter, G. H. (1921) Dublin Microscopical Club. Irish Naturalist 30: 67. Dolling, W. R. (1991) The Hemiptera. Oxford University Press, Oxford. Douglas, J. W. (1881) On the species of the genus Orthezia. Entomologist’s Monthly Magazine 17: 172-176. Douglas, J. W. (1888) Notes on some British and exotic Coccidae (No. 9). Entomologist’s Monthly Magazine 25: 57-60. Green, E. E. (1934) Observations on British Coccidae, XIV. Entomologist’s Monthly Magazine 70: 108-114. Halbert, J. N. (1907) Hemiptera. p. 53. In Contributions to the Natural History of Lambay, County Dublin. Irish Naturalist 16 (1 & 2): i-ii, 1-112. 25 plates. Irish Naturalists’ Journal Vol. 32 Part 1 43


Orthezia urticae (Linnaeus, 1758). IRELAND (Green 1934). IRISH ORIGIN: new collection records for O. urticae include a specimen from Ireland on Pyrus falconnet (perhaps originally in packing material) collected at quarantine, Apr. 22, 1929, by W. B. Wood (pre-adult only) (Morrison 1952). However, interception data, particularly based on a single record, are unreliable. The Nettle Ensign Scale or Ensign Coccid (Orthezia urticae) is trans-Palaearctic in distribution. It occurs in moist deciduous and mixed biotopes, also in marshes in the herbaceous and dwarf shrub layers. The species is often found in anthropogenic habitats. O. urticae is polyphagous (Kosztarab and Kozár 1988). Pseudococcidae (mealybugs) Balanococcus diminutus (Leonardi, 1918). New to Ireland. CORK: South Mall, Cork City, 29 August 1994, several adult females causing a conspicuous dirty infestation, with thick waxy deposits and sooty mould, on the leaf bases of New Zealand Flax (Phormium tenax), CM. The Phormium Mealybug (Balanococcus diminutus) originated from New Zealand and was first recorded in England in 1977 and the following year was found on New Zealand Flax which had been imported from Ireland ten years beforehand (Bartlett 1981). It has naturalized widely in England and Wales on New Zealand Flax (Malumphy 2009a). Dysmicoccus walkeri (Newstead, 1891). IRELAND (Green 1934 (as Pseudococcus)). Walker’s mealybug (Dysmicoccus walkeri) is trans-Palaearctic in distribution. Its hosts are various herbaceous plants, occurring on the leaves and in the leaf sheaths (Kosztarab and Kozár 1988). Phenacoccus aceris (Signoret, 1875). (Fig. 8) ARMAGH: no locality, May 1913, at midsummer, apple shoots covered with ovisacs, the females, eggs and larvae being numerous (Carpenter 1914a, 1914b (as Pseudococcus)); Loughgall, 1973, breeding in three widely separated apple orchards in the district (Willis 1973). IRELAND (Green 1934). The Polyphagous Tree Mealybug (Phenacoccus aceris) is a common Holarctic species, broadly polyphagous on woody plants (Malumphy et al. 2008). Planococcus citri (Risso, 1813). DUBLIN: Cornelscourt, 22 February 1995, large numbers of all instars on the leaves and twigs of the Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina) 42 Irish Naturalists’ Journal Vol. 32 Part 1


under glass, B. Kennedy (FERA); Lambay Island (Halbert 1907 as Pseudococcus). NORTHERN IRELAND: 1964, a single sprouting potato tuber brought in from West Africa by a returning Northern Ireland resident, was found to be appreciably infested with the Mealy Bug (Anon 1964). The Citrus Mealybug is a cosmopolitan and polyphagous species that is very common on indoor plantings throughout Britain (Malumphy 2009a). Rhizoecus falcifer Künckel d’Herculais, 1878. DUBLIN: on the roots of Maidenhair Fern (Adiantum sp.), March 1901 (Williams 1962). The Ground or Root Mealybug is now known from many parts of the world. In Britain, it is found only in greenhouses on the roots of numerous plants and is, apparently, quite common (Williams 1962). Ripersiella halophila (Hardy, 1868). DONEGAL: among turf, August 1942, J. Lister (Williams 1962); KERRY: near Capp an Cheapaigh, Dingle peninsula, Dingle, 2 September 1994, adult females and numerous waxy deposits on the roots of Bell Heather (Erica cinerea), grasses and mosses, CM. Ripersiella halophila is Palaearctic in distribution. The species occurs on the roots of its host plants which belong to the Compositae, Crassulaceae, Ericaceae, Plumbaginaceae, Poaceae and Umbelliferae (Ben-Dov 1994, 2010b). Trionymus perrisii perrisii (Signoret, 1875). Synonymy: Dactylopius hibernicus Newstead, 1895. ANTRIM: Ballintoy, 3 September 1893, in the “crowns” of a species of grass in sandy soil, on a chalk cliff close to the sea, Miss Tomlin (Newstead 1895 (as Dactylopius hibernicus), Newstead 1903 (as Dactylopius hibernicus), Williams 1962). IRELAND (Green 1934 (as Pseudococcus)). Perris’ Grass Mealybug (Trionymus perrisii) is a common transPalaearctic species. Mesophilous, it occurs on the stems and leaf sheaths of grasses (Ben-Dov 1994, Kosztarab and Kozár 1988). Acknowledgements The authors are very grateful to Dr Ferenc Kozár, Department of Zoology, Plant Protection Institute, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary, for identifying Aspidiotus nerii, Dr Jon H. Martin of the Natural History Museum, London, for confirming the identity of Saissetia coffeae, and the following librarians

for supplying literature: Ms Orla Fitzpatrick (NMI), Ms Siobhán Fitzpatrick (Royal Irish Academy), Ms Evelyn Leahy (Department of Agriculture, Dublin) and Ms Val McAteer (Royal Entomological Society). References Anon. (1933) Proceedings and Annual Report of the Belfast Naturalists’ Field Club 9: 227. Anon. (1956) Agricultural Entomology Division. The Research and Experimental Record of the Ministry of Agriculture Northern Ireland 6: 119-123. Anon. (1959) Agricultural Entomology Division. The Research and Experimental Record of the Ministry of Agriculture Northern Ireland 9: 155-168. Anon. (1964) Agricultural Entomology Division Annual Progress Report on Research and Technical Work 1964: 5-16. Ministry of Agriculture Northern Ireland. Balachowsky, A. S. (1953) Les cochenilles de France d’Europe, du Nord de l’Afrique, et du bassin Méditerranéen. VII. - Monographie des Coccoidea; Diaspidinae-IV, OdonaspidiniParlatorini. Actualités Scientifiques et Industrielles 1202: 725-929. Bartlett, P. W. (1981) Trionymus diminutus (Leonardi) (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae) infesting New Zealand flax in England. Plant Pathology 30: 56-58. Ben-Dov, Y. (1993) A systematic catalogue of the soft scale insects of the world. Florida State Handbook No. 9. Sandhill Crane Press Inc., Gainesville, Florida. Ben-Dov, Y. (1994) A systematic catalogue of the mealybugs of the world (Insecta: Homoptera: Coccoidea: Pseudococcidae and Putoidae) with data on geographical distribution, host plants, biology and economic importance. Intercept Limited, Andover, U.K. Ben-Dov, Y. (2006) A systematic catalogue of eight scale insect families (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) of the world. Elsevier, Amsterdam. Ben-Dov, Y. (2010a) Coccidae. Lecanopsis formicarum Newstead. ScaleNet database. Updated to 20 July 2010. Online at: http:// www.sel.barc.usda.gov/catalogs/coccidae/ Lecanopsisformicarum.htm. Date accessed: 14 September 2010 Ben-Dov, Y. (2010b) Pseudococcidae. ScaleNet, Ripersiella halophila (Hardy). ScaleNet database. Updated to 20 July 2010. Online at:http://www.sel.barc.usda.gov/catalogs/ pseudococcidae/Ripersiellahalophila.htm. Date accessed: 14 September 2010 Ben-Dov, Y., Miller, D.R. and Gibson, G.A.P. (2010) ScaleNet, Scales in a Country Query

Results. ScaleNet database. Updated to 20 July 2010. Online at: http://www.sel.barc.usda. gov/scalecgi/region.exe?region Date accessed: 12 September 2010 Boratynski, K.L. and Williams, D. J. (1964). A note on some British Coccoidea, with new additions to the British Fauna. Proceedings of the Royal Entomological Society of London, Series B: Taxonomy 33: 103-110. Carpenter, G. H. (1894) Proceedings of Irish Societies. Dublin Microscopical Club. Irish Naturalist 3: 109-110. Carpenter, G. H. (1903) Injurious insects and other animals observed in Ireland during the year 1902. Economic Proceedings of the Royal Dublin Society 1: 195-218, plates vii-viii. Carpenter, G. H. (1904) Injurious insects and other animals observed in Ireland during the year 1903. Economic Proceedings of the Royal Dublin Society 1: 249-266, plates xxi-xxii. Carpenter, G. H. (1907) Injurious insects and other animals observed in Ireland during the year 1906. Economic Proceedings of the Royal Dublin Society 1: 421-452, plates xxxix-xliv. Carpenter, G. H. (1909) Injurious insects and other animals observed in Ireland during the year 1908. Economic Proceedings of the Royal Dublin Society 1: 589-611, plates lv-lix. Carpenter, G. H. (1910) Injurious insects and other animals observed in Ireland during the year 1909. Economic Proceedings of the Royal Dublin Society 2: 8-30, plate ii. Carpenter, G. H. (1913) Injurious insects and other animals observed in Ireland during the year 1912. Economic Proceedings of the Royal Dublin Society 2: 79-104, plates x-xi. Carpenter, G. H. (1914a) Injurious insects and other animals observed in Ireland during the year 1913. Economic Proceedings of the Royal Dublin Society 2: 142-160, plate xiii. Carpenter, G. H. (1914b) Dublin Microscopical Club. Irish Naturalist 23: 122. Carpenter, G. H. (1921) Dublin Microscopical Club. Irish Naturalist 30: 67. Dolling, W. R. (1991) The Hemiptera. Oxford University Press, Oxford. Douglas, J. W. (1881) On the species of the genus Orthezia. Entomologist’s Monthly Magazine 17: 172-176. Douglas, J. W. (1888) Notes on some British and exotic Coccidae (No. 9). Entomologist’s Monthly Magazine 25: 57-60. Green, E. E. (1934) Observations on British Coccidae, XIV. Entomologist’s Monthly Magazine 70: 108-114. Halbert, J. N. (1907) Hemiptera. p. 53. In Contributions to the Natural History of Lambay, County Dublin. Irish Naturalist 16 (1 & 2): i-ii, 1-112. 25 plates. Irish Naturalists’ Journal Vol. 32 Part 1 43


Halbert, J. N. (1912) Clare Island Survey. 30. Hemiptera. Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy 31(30): 1-10. Hodgson, C. J. (1994) The scale insect family Coccidae. CAB International, Wallingford. Kosztarab, M. and Kozár, F. (1988) Scale insects of Central Europe. Akadémiai Kiadó, Budapest. Malumphy, C. (2009a) The scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) of Watsonian Yorkshire. Naturalist 134: 57-74. Malumphy, C. P. (2009b) Confirmation of the presence of small spruce bud scale, Physokermes hemicryphus (Dalman) (Hemiptera: Coccidae), in Britain. British Journal of Entomology and Natural History 22: 15-22. Malumphy, C. and Badmin, J. (2007) The occurrence of soft scales (Coccidae) on ornamental yew Taxus baccata. British Journal of Entomology and Natural History 20: 153. Malumphy, C., Ostrauskas, H. and Pye, D. (2008) A provisional catalogue of scale insects (Hemiptera, Coccoidea) of Lithuania. Acta Zoologica Lituanica 18: 108-121. Manawadu, D. (1986) A new species of Eriopeltis Signoret (Homoptera: Coccidae) from Britain. Systematic Entomology 11: 317-326. Merrill, G. B. and Chaffin, J. (1923) Scale insects of Florida. Quarterly Bulletin of the Florida State Plant Board 7: 177-298. Morgan, A. C. F. (1892) Observations on Coccidea (No. 9). Entomologist’s Monthly Magazine 28: 12-16. Morrison, H. (1925) Classification of scale insects of the subfamily Ortheziinae. Journal of Agricultural Research 30: 97-154. Morrison, H. (1952) Classification of the Ortheziidae. Supplement to classification of scale insects of the subfamily Ortheziinae. Technical Bulletin No. 1052: 1-80. United States Department of Agriculture, Washington. Newstead, R. (1895) Observations on Coccidae (No. 11). Entomologist’s Monthly Magazine 31: 165-167. Newstead, R. (1901) Monograph of the Coccidae of the British Isles. I. The Ray Society, London. Newstead, R. (1903) Monograph of the Coccidae of the British Isles. II. The Ray Society, London. O’Connor, J. P. and Ashe, P. (2000) Irish indoor insects. Town House, Dublin. O’Connor, J. P. and Fox, H. (2000) The horse chestnut scale Pulvinaria regalis Canard (Hemiptera: Coccidae) new to Ireland. Entomologist’s Gazette 51: 145-146.

O’Connor, J. P. and Waldren, S. (1995) A review of the Irish distribution of Arctorthezia cataphracta (Olafsen) (Hemiptera: Coccoidea). Bulletin of the Irish Biogeographical Society 18: 19-21. Reuther, W., Calavan, E. C. and Carman, G. E. (eds) The citrus industry: crop protection, postharvest technology and early history of citrus research in California. 5. ANR Publications, University of California, California. Russell, L. M. (1941) A classification of the scale insect genus Asterolecanium. United States Department of Agriculture, Miscellaneous Publications 424: 1-319. Speight, M.R. and Nicol, M. (1984) Horse chesnut scale – a new urban menace. New Scientist 101: 40-42. Stendall, J.A.S. (1922) Felted beech coccus in Ireland. Irish Naturalist 31: 96. Watson, G.W. (2002) Arthropods of economic importance: Diaspididae of the world. An illustrated identification guide and information source. CD-ROM. Expert Center for Taxonomic Identification (ETI), University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Text accessible online at: http://ip30.eti.uva.nl/bis/ diaspididae.php. Williams, D.J. (1962) The British Pseudococcidae (Homoptera: Coccoidea). Bulletin of the British Museum (Natural History) (Entomology) 12: 1-79. Williams, D. J. (1985) The British and some other European Eriococcidae (Homoptera: Coccoidea). Bulletin of the British Museum (Natural History) (Entomology) 51: 347-393. Willis, R.J. (1973) Agricultural Entomology Research Division. Annual Report on Research and Technical Work, 1973. Report of the Agricultural Research Division (Northern Ireland) 1973: 51-64. Department of Agriculture, Belfast. Willis, R.J. (1980) Agricultural Entomology Research Division. Annual Report on Research and Technical Work, 1980. Report of the Agricultural Research Division (Northern Ireland) 1980: 67-80. Department of Agriculture, Belfast.

Ageing of Slipper Limpet (Crepidula fornicata) shells from Belfast Lough Claire Guy, *Neil Reid and Dai Roberts Quercus, School of Biological Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, BT9 7BL, UK. The Slipper Limpet (Crepidula fornicata) was recently found in Northern Irish waters at Belfast Lough during 2009. We compared two techniques for estimating individual age; enumeration of exterior shell check marks (growth bands) and an acetate-peel to enumerate interior shell check marks. Estimates of maximum age based on exterior marks suggested a maximum of 10 year classes whilst interior marks suggested a maximum of 7 year classes (excluding the growth band at settlement). It seems likely that Slipper Limpets arrived in Belfast Lough during or after 2001. Shell size was a good proxy of estimated age suggesting it may represent a ‘rapid assessment’ method for ageing. The acetate-peel technique is useful in enumerating interior check marks. Keywords: acetate-peel technique, ageing, Calyptraeidae, Gastropoda, invasive species, Mollusca, shell sections Introduction

Methods

The Slipper Limpet (Crepidula fornicata Lamarck, 1809) is thought to have been accidentally introduced to the British Isles between 1887 and 1890 during the importation of oysters (Crassostrea virginica Gmelin, 1791) from North America (Fretter and Graham 1981, Eno et al. 1997). The establishment of invasive populations outside their native range has been associated with broad-scale environmental impacts, including changes to sediment characteristics due to increased pseudofeces deposition (Vallet et al. 2001) and population declines in native species (Grall and Hall-Spencer 2003, Le Pape et al. 2004). The species is of particular threat as it is ‘euribiotic’ being able to thrive in any sheltered environment (Walne 1956). The Slipper Limpet has recently become established in Ireland at Belfast Lough (McNeill et al. 2010). It seems likely it arrived on contaminated aquacultural imports, for example, mussels (Mytilus edulis Linnaeus, 1758) from Great Britain. McNeill et al. (2010) estimated the likely date of introduction by enumerating external winter check marks (growth bands) on a sample of shells taken during 2009 and suggested that the population established during or before 2004. However, enumeration of exterior check marks on the shell may be confounded by the periostracum and associated shell layers. The current study compared examination of exterior check marks with a more detailed enumeration of interior check marks using an acetate-peel technique. We also provide a rapid assessment technique for estimating age based on shell size alone.

A total of 11 Slipper Limpet specimens were subsampled from collections taken at Belfast Lough during 2009 by Dr Gavin McNeill (Northern Ireland Environment Agency, AFBI) and Dr Julia Nunn (National Museums Northern Ireland, NMNI) with the assistance of NIEA staff (McNeill et al. 2010). Each shell was air dried and the maximum straight (antero-posterior) length and (transverse) breadth of each was measured to the nearest millimetre. An initial assessment of age was made using microscopic enumeration of clear exterior winter check marks (growth bands) whilst a more detailed assessment of interior check marks was made using an acetate-peel technique following the methodology of Richardson et al. (1993). The shells were encased in polyester casting resin (Kleer set Type FF, MetPrep Ltd), cured and a transverse cut was made to reveal a cross-section through the longest shell axis (Fig. 1a-b). Each cross-section was polished using fine grade sand paper before being washed thoroughly with a mild detergent solution and rinsed with water. After air drying, the blocks were bathed in 0.01M hydrochloric acid (HCl), rinsed with water and allowed to dry. The etched surfaces were then flooded with acetone and a strip of acetate replication material (Agar Scientific Ltd) was placed over the cut side, taking care to exclude any bubbles in the acetone. Once the acetone had evaporated the replication material was peeled off and mounted on a slide for microscopic examination. A second assessment of Slipper Limpet age was expressed as the maximum and minimum number of interior check marks visible under the light microscope (Fig. 1c-d). A linear regression was used to describe the relationship between maximum shell length and maximum

*Corresponding author – [email protected] 44 Irish Naturalists’ Journal Vol. 32 Part 1
