Phantasma scale
Phantasma scale (Fiorinia phantasma) is a pest impacting many ornamental plant species but is especially prevalent on palms (family Arecaceae). This pest species was first detected in Miami-Dade County in 2018 and has since caused significant problems in landscapes and for palm growers in 5 Florida counties (Miami-Dade, Broward, Pam Beach Martin and St. Lucie). This pest has the potential to cause significant economic harm to ornamental growers, homeowners, and landscapers in Florida.
This work would not be possible without the following contributors: Dr. Muhammad Z. Ahmed, Subtropical Insects and Horticulture Research, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ft. Pierce, Florida; Dr. Cindy L. McKenzie, Subtropical Insects and Horticulture Research, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Ft. Pierce, Florida; and Dr. Lance S. Osborne, Mid-Florida Research and Education Center, UF/IFAS, University of Florida, Apopka, FL.
Click on the + in the Resources Box to see links to additional information.
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Resources
LINKS
- Phantasma Scale Website
- Phantasma Scale Links
- Field Detection and Potential Host Plants of Fiorinia phantasma Cockerell & Robinson (Diaspididae: Hemiptera), Phantasma Scale, Potential Pest of Palms and Ornamental Plants in Florida
- Chemical Control of the Phantasma Scale, Fiorinia phantasma (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), Potential Pest of Palms and Ornamentals Plants in Florida
- PEST ALERT
- Field Report and Survey of Fiorinia phantasma (Hemiptera: Diaspididae), Potential Pest of Palms, and Ornamental Plants in the United States.
- This is a large PowerPoint file so it takes a while to download.
- PowerPoint presentation (PDF OR PPTX) made for UF/IFAS - Palm Beach County Extension (8-12-2025). Clicking on the PPTX link will result in the PowerPoint being downloaded.
- IR-4 Scale Efficacy - 2023
- Cranshaw QTScaleInsects.pdf
