- Worldwide distribution. In Oceania, Australia, Fiji, French Polynesia, New Caledonia, and Vanuatu. Host range wide: Barringtonia, capsicum, chilli, citrus, coconut, coffee, mango, frangipani, Ficus, woody legumes.
- Cover of female, semi-circular, 2.5-3 mm, domed, yellowish-brown, remains of first moult, clearly seen off-centre. Body of female, wine-red.
- Damage: an important pest of citrus, cashew, cocoa.
- Spread by 'crawlers' carried in wind, birds, clothing, machinery. Movement of nursery stock.
- Natural enemies: ladybird beetle (New Caledonia, Vanuatu) and wasp parasitoid (New Caledonia).
- Chemical control: lime sulphur or wettable sulphur (follow manufacturers' instructions because of phytotoxicity concerns); alternatively, use insecticidal soap, white or horticultural oils. Note, avoid malathion and synthetic pyrethroids as they will destroy natural enemies.