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Mid-Florida Research & Education Center

Mid-Florida Research & Education Center

Phantasma scale

Phantasma scale (Fiorinia phantasma) is a pest impacting many ornamental plant species but is espeically prevelant 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.

  Phantasma scale on fronds of an ornamental pond.
  Phantasma scale on underside of fronds of ornamental palm.
  Phantasma scale on upperside of fronds of ornamental palm.
  Phantasma sale on the surface of a ripe palm seed.
Phantasma scale size and shape among common scales.

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