A review of non‐native scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Coccoidea) of Australia and the challenges in maintaining current and accurate pest lists

Abstract

Abstract

Over 870 species of scale insects, also called coccoids (infraorder Coccomorpha), have been recorded from Australia. Here, we systematically review literature, databases and collections to provide a revised assessment of non‐native species to Australia, for which we confirm those species that are introduced and extant in Australia (including deliberate introductions and new detections), species previously reported as introduced that we consider extirpated from Australia or the result of dubious records and some previously considered introduced that are possibly native to Australia. Of the 15 new and recent species records for Australia, 14 are considered established in the environment, while one is known only from a controlled nursery environment and not considered established. Despite available resources, it is impossible to unequivocally determine the status of some taxa in terms of whether they are indigenous to Australia or have been introduced by humans. We report new records that may be either introductions or possibly native species, and we discuss taxonomic uncertainty affecting records of species, such as for the mealybug Vryburgia trionymoides . Nevertheless, this checklist will be of utility to biosecurity practitioners and taxonomists in providing the most authoritative list of introduced coccoids to Australia that now represent approximately 17% of all coccoid species known to be present. This list will, however, require ongoing maintenance to remain current.