First report of <i>Hemiberlesia cyanophylli</i> (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) in Morocco on persimmon ( <i>Diospyros kaki</i> ) and Chinese banyan ( <i>Ficus retusa</i> ), with a preliminary assessment of its natural enemies

Abstract

Abstract Between May and September 2025, 157 sites along the north‐western coast of Morocco were surveyed to assess diaspidid diversity on agricultural and ornamental plants, including persimmon ( Diospyros kaki ) and ornamental fig, Chinese banyan ( Ficus retusa ). The cyanophyllum scale, Hemiberlesia cyanophylli (Signoret) (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Diaspididae), was found on leaves, young shoots, branches, and fruits of persimmon at three sites, and on leaves and branches of Chinese banyan at five sites. Cyanophyllum scale, a cosmopolitan tropical and subtropical species, is reported here for the first time from Morocco. F. retusa is also reported as a new host plant record. Macro‐ and microscopic analyses confirmed the species identification. Reliable diagnostic characters to distinguish H. cyanophylli from other armoured scale species present in Morocco are provided. Several natural enemies of the scale were recorded, highlighting their potential role in population regulation. The parasitoids recorded include Aphytis melinus DeBach, and Encarsia citrina (Crawford) (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae), and Metaphycus sp. and Plagiomerus diaspidis (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae). Parasitism rates reached 70% on Chinese banyan and 36% on persimmon. Predators of H. cyanophylli included Chilocorus nigritus (Fabricius) and Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). The findings provide baseline data for the early detection and future integrated pest management of this emerging pest in Morocco.