Diversity of scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha) attacking citrus trees in Machakos, Makueni, Kilifi and Kwale Counties, Kenya

Citrus farming is a major source of revenue for large and small-scale farmers in Kenya. production confronted with threats from pests diseases. Surveys citrus farms Kilifi, Kwale, Machakos Makueni counties, Kenya July/August (dry season) November/December (wet season), 2019 were conducted to identify scale insect (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha) attacking the trees (Sapindales: Rutaceae), their related biota. A total 22 species belonging four families, namely Diaspididae (armoured scales), Coccidae (soft Pseudococcidae (mealybugs), Monophlebidae (giant mealybugs) found infesting two regions surveyed. Among insects reported, newly introduced Kenya; three armoured scales Parlatoria ziziphi (Lucas), pergandii (Comstock), Aonidiella comperei (McKenzie), soft scale, Pulvinaria polygonata (Cockerell). The closely associated predators (coccinellids lacewings) attendant ants. This information will be helpful development efficient management strategies against pests, thus improving identified this study useful plant quarantine facilities help prevent detect accidental introductions exotic species.