Molecular Characterization and Phylogenetic Analysis of the Pine Tortoise Scale Insect Toumeyella parvicornis (Cockerell) (Hemiptera: Coccidae)

Toumeyella parvicornis (Cockerell) (Hemiptera, Coccidae) is becoming a potential main pest of stone pine plants (Pinus pinea L.), both in urban parks and pinewood forests Europe. Its recent distribution source concern several regions Italy France. The early detection this plays fundamental role to contain its geographical expansion, but taxonomic identification still based on laborious observations the morphological traits. also complicated by small size pest, which makes possible only through stereomicroscope. Molecular beneficial for detection, currently, there single gene sequence available pest. This study fills gap knowledge providing sequences five different genes (COI, 28S, elongation factor (EF-1α), wingless (wg), histone H3 (HexA)), together with phylogenetic analysis carried out among species belonging Coccidae, one most important families scale insects. results provide new valuable information about T. may represent useful data management practices.