Asian Cycad Scale  (Aulacaspis yasumatsui) Introduction

Asian cycad scale originates in Thailand and southern China. It is believed to have been accidentally introduced into Florida through the legal importation of cycads. Infestations of this scale insect have been moving rapidly across the state since this pest was discovered in the mid 1990's near Miami (Hamon, 2000).

This scale is known as Cycad Aulacaspis Scale, or Asian Cycad Scale (Aulacaspis yasumatsui). The family of plants affected is called cycads. This family includes king and queen sagos, cardboard palms, and coonties among others.

At this point, only the sagos appear to be affected. Cardboard palms and coonties have been relatively unaffected. Although sagos give the appearance of palms, they are actually unrelated to palms.

Asian cycad scale has been observed on several other cycads, but does not attack them as severely. A list of other species of cycads that are reported to be attacked are listed at the UF/IFAS Featured Creatures site.

Photo by Holly Glen

• Next: The Problem

Return to top