Sagos Under Attack - Cycad Aulacaspis Scale

King and Queen Sagos, Cycas revoluta and Cycas circinalis, are common components in South Florida landscapes. A few years ago, cycad aulacaspis scale, Aulacapis yasumatsui, was discovered in South Florida and has since spread through Miami-Dade and Broward counties. The scale was introduced into Flroida by accident and has only been observed on plants in the Cycad family, Cycadaceae, and only on the genus Cycas.

Biology

Cycad aulacaspis scale is in the group know as armored scale insects (Diaspididae). The insects in this group are usually smaller than "soft" scales (Coccidae). First stage crawlers move over the host plant seeking sites to settle and feed. They can be present in tremendous numbers and are so light that they can be carried by the wind to new host plants. Once a crawler settles, it begins to produce a shell-like waxy scale over it’s body. The scale provides protection and a stable environment for the insect living beneath it.

For information on treatments and more information on the scale, contact the Broward County Cooperative Extension at 954-370-3725 or visit http://www.doacs.state.fl.us/pi/enpp/ento/aulacaspis.html.

The above information came from a brochure developed by Joseph F. Garofalo, Extension Agent, Broward County Cooperative Extension Service, October 1997.