Diaspis echinocacti (Bouché, 1833)
cactus scale
on Cactaceae
© United States National Collection of Scale Insects Photographs , USDA Agricultural Research Service, Bugwood.org: the elongated smaller scales are of males.
parasite
On all green parts of the plant, sometimes also the root collar
host plants
Cactaceae, broadly oligophagous
Opuntia coccinellifera, ficus-indica, “glaucophylla”, humifusa, leucotricha, microdasys, “polyantha”, stricta, tomentosa, tuna.
In greenhouses and indoors on many more species, like Cereus repandus; Echinopsis eyriesii; Mamillaria; Schlumbergera truncata; Selenicereus grandiflorus, macdonaldiae.
Occasionally on plants of other families.
phenology
Bivoltine.
distribution within Europe
notes
In Central and North Europa often in greenhouses etc.
references
Blay Goicoechea (1992a), Gertsson (2016a), Gomez-Menor Guerrero (1967a), Gómez-Menor Ortega (1965a), Hellrigl (2004a), Łagowska, Golan, Kot ao (2015a), Malumphy, Ostrauskas & Pye (2008a), Mifsud, Mazzeo, Russo & Watson (2014a), ScaleNet, Seljak (2010a).