(Pseudococcidae, Hemiptera) in the Philippines With

Expansion of Local Geographic and Host Ranges of Nipaecoccus nipae (Maskell) (Pseudococcidae, Hemiptera)inthe Philippines with New Records of Predators and Attending Ants

Merdelyn T. Caasi-Litl*, Ireneo L. Lit, Jr.2' 3 and Ariel R. Larona3

'Institute of Plant Breeding, Crop Science Cluster, College of Agriculture, University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB), College, Laguna 4031, Philippines; 2 Institute of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, UPLB, College, Laguna 4031, Philippines; 3 Museum of Natural History, OVCRE, UPLB, College, Laguna 4031, Philippines;* Corresponding Author, [email protected]

The local geographical distribution of the buff coconut mealybug (BCM), Nipaecoccus nipae (Maskell) (Pseudococcidae, Hemiptera) has widened since its initial invasion of Luzon Island in the early 2000s, being now known to occur in other islands and provinces of the Philippines. Surveys were conducted in several regions by initially inspecting known hosts of BCM and other plants. Samples of BCM and of host plants were collected, the latter identified to species. Seventeen (17) plant species belonging to 12 families are recorded as new hosts of BCM, bringing its total known host plants in the Philippines to 71 species in 20 families. An updated host list was prepared to include all local plants that serve as hosts of this invasive species. New associated organisms are also reported for the first time. These include larvae of the green lacewing, Mallada basalis (Walker) (Chrysopidae, Neuroptera) and the brown lacewing, Micromus igorotus Banks (Hemerobiidae, Neuroptera) that have been observed to prey on nymphs and adults, the first known locally available natural enemies of BCM. The black ants, Dolichoderus thoracicus (Smith), fire ants, Solenopsis gem inata(Jerdon),andcrazyants,Anoploiepisgracilipes(Fabricius)(Formicidae, Hymenoptera), are also now occasionally observed to attend to BCM colonies.

Keywords:Anoplotepis gracilipes,Buff coconut mealybug,Dolichoderus thoracicus, Mal lada basalis, Micromus igorotus, Nipaecoccus nipae

INTRODUCTION such need, the authors are continuing studies, albeit limited, despite the lack of funds or other support for a Thebuffcoconutmealybug(BCM,Figure 1), sustained series of biological and ecological studies. Nipaecoccus nipae(Maskell),is a relatively recent This paper aims to:i) update local distribution data introduction (ca. 2000) into the Philippines and was and reflect therein the spread of its geographic range formally reported as an invasive pest by Lit et al. in the Philippines; ii) report new results gathered in the (2005, 2006a, 2006b). Locally, concern about its continuing documentation of host plants infested by effects on the coconut industry was first expressed by BCM from 2000 to June 2011 by updating the list of farmers and gatherers of tuba, the sweet liquid that is host plants of this polyphagous insect; and iii) record processedinto lambanog', alocallyproduced its new associated ants and local natural enemies in alcoholic beverage similar to gin or vodka. Already an the Philippines. export product, lambanog producers were worried they may not be able to sustain and fulfill orders from abroad if the decline in sap yield continues due to the MATERIALS AND METHODS sucking insects. Other farmers like those raising sweetsop(atis),Annona squamosaL.,inLobo, Survey of BCM and Documentation of Infested Batangas also reported declining fruit yield, dying Host Plants trees and abruptly diminished or lost potential income Surveys were conducted in different areas of the (Caasi-Lit et al. 2008; Caasi-Lit et al. 2009a). country whenever possible, from January 2006 to Since its introduction, the buff coconut mealybug has September2011andinvolvedconvenienceor gradually spread to other localities and colonized opportunitysampling,without structuredsampling other host plants (Caasi-Lit et al. 2008; 2009).The design as long as the criteria for host-herbivore lack of basic biological studies especially under local association are satisfied. Such surveys generally tropical conditions and even in other countries where started among plants identified as hosts of BCM after the BCM isknowntooccur has consequently the initial survey in 2002 (Lit et al. 2006) and onwards. prevented entomologists from prescribing effective, New locality records were plotted on a map as soon practical and long-term solutions to affected local as occurrences of BCM therein were confirmed. government units and concerned farmers.Realizing Some areas were visited more regularly than the Figure 1. The buff coconut mealybug, Nipaecoccus nipae (Maskell) on Freycinetia multiflora (A), Annona squamosa (B) and Carludovica palmata (C,D), showing the different stages: female (F); males, in pupal wax cocoons (MP); and nymphs (N), the first instar of which is called crawler (Cr). others. Theseincludevariousplacesinthe Kudarat.The rest of the provinces listed among the CALABARZON provinces (except Rizal) and Metro new locality records and the provinces of Benguet, Manila, Davao City and Davao del Norte (at least Mountain Province, and Ifugao were only visited once twice a year), Polillo Island (1-2 times a year since or twice within 2006-2011. 2002); Isabela, Nueva Ecija, NuevaVizcaya, Pangasinan, Saranggani and South Cotabato (6-8 Updating the List of Host Plants of BCM times a year from 2008-2011), Marinduque (1-2 times To qualify as a host, a plant had to be infested not just a year since 2008) and Bulacan, !locos provinces by a single individual but by colonies which would (once a year since 2009).In June, 2007, a survey include nymphs, adult females and adult males, sponsored by the Bureau of Plant Industry was usually in their waxy 'cocoons'. There should be clear conducted in Regions 11 and 12 in Mindanao to signs of feeding such as yellowing of portions of document the extent of BCM infestation in several plantswherethe BCM individualswere found, agricultural areas in 6 provinces, namely: Davao del honeydew deposits, and/or growth of sooty molds on Norte, Davao del Sur (including Davao City), North surfaces where honeydew droppedor gathered. Cotabato, Saranggani, South Cotabato and Sultan Photographs of host plants and also the

48 Expansion of Host Ranges of Nipaecoccus nipae corresponding herbarium specimens, when necessary, were taken.Specimens of mealybugs were collected and preserved at least in 95% ethanol for proper documentation and verification. To determine the extent of BCM infestation, the list from Lit et al. (2006) was updated. Botanical names werecheckedandverifiedwithnomenclatural databases and/or confirmed with the assistance of botanist curators of the University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB) Museum of Natural History.

Search for natural enemies and associated ants Alongside the continuing survey of BCM and its host plants,natural enemies and associated ants were noted, collected and preserved together with the mealybugs. Predators were reared to adult stage whereas attending ants were preserved in vials of 95% ethanol. All predators and ants were also identified to species level whenever possible.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Local Geographical Distribution The geographical range of N. nipae in the Philippines continued to widen since its introduction in the early part of this millennium.Lit et al. (2006) reported its initialoccurrence in Laguna province among ornamentalpalms andthenintheneighboring provinces of Quezon, Batangas and Cavite (Figure 2). They also noted the introduction to Davao City in Mindanao probably also via ornamental palms. During that time, no BCM individuals or colonies were found Figure2. Geographical distribution of the buff coconut in other places visited in the Southern Tagalog region, mealybug, Nipaecoccus nipae (Maskell) in the as well as in the Davao and Cotabato provinces. Philippines. Legend: black circles - distribution as of 2005 (based on Lit et al. 2006); 0- new Since 2006, the local distribution expanded and BCM locality records determined through surveys is now known to be present in nearly all major islands from 2006 to 2011. and provinces (Table 1, Figure 2). The presence of BCM in Rizal (part of the CALABARZON subregion) To emphasize the expansion of geographic range of and in Metro Manila is now confirmed. Itis also BCM,itis worth mentioning the survey that was present in the island of Polillo which is politically a part conducted in Regions 11 and 12 in Mindanao in June of Quezon.South of the CALABARZON areas, the 2007.Initially, the data may be said to only confirm BCM is now also known in Albay, Camarines Sur and thepresenceof BCM inthesurveyedareas. Sorsogon, as well as in three islands/provinces of However, it is noted that there were no traces of BCM MIMAROPA subregion (Marinduque, Oriental Mindoro in 2007 around Tagum and Panabo cities in Davao and Palawan.Towards the northern part of Luzon, del Norte, which was just about 30-40 km from Davao the occurrence of BCM is now confirmed in the City and yet the incidence of BCM was observed to be provinces of Bataan, Benguet, Isabela, Nueva Ecija, abundant among coconuts and bananas in 2009. The Nueva Vizcaya, Pangasinan and Zambales. All infestationin Tagum City has been observed on occurrences of BCM in the Visayan islands of Leyte various species of palms planted around the city since (Leyte Province),Bohol, Cebu, Negros Occidental 2009. Moreover, considering the general biology and Province, Panay (Iloilo Province) and Guimaras are ecology of scale insects, as well as the broad view of new local geographical records. In Mindanao, from a dispersal as an attribute of insect populations, the small area in Davao City, BCM is now confirmed to be great difference between the previous distribution data present in the provinces of Bukidnon, Davao del (Lit et al. 2006) and the new data presented herein all Norte,Davao delSur, MisamisOriental,North suggestthatthere has been anexpansionin Cotabato, Saranggani, South Cotabato and Sultan geographical range, and that the set of available data Kudarat.The specific localities visited in these new is an indication of the spread from Calabarzon and areas are enumerated in Table 1. Davao City to other areas.Similarly, the presence of BCM was only observed in 2008 in Polillo island, just

MT Caasi-Lit et at 49 Table 1. New Philippine locality records for the buff coconut mealybug, Nipaecoccus nipae (Maskell), based on data gathered from 2006-2011. Island Province Places Surveyed Host Plants Observed Year* Luzon Albay Guinobatan, Legazpi City, Ligao coconut 2010 Bataan Limao, Mariveles coconut, guava 2008 Benguet Baguio City, La Trinidad City palmera, royal palm 2008 Camarines Sur Naga City, Pi li coconut 2010 Isabela Cauayan City, Ilagan, Gamu, Santiago coconut, atis, guyabano, 2010 City palmera, guava, avocado Metro Manila Makati City, Manila, Quezon City, Royal palm, coconut, 2007 Taguig City palmera Nueva Ecija Cabanatuan City, San Jose City coconut, atis, guava, Indian 2009 lanutan Nueva Vizcaya Bambang, Bayombong, Solana, Sta. Fe coconut, guava 2009 Pangasinan Bolinao, Dagupan City, San Carlos City, coconut, guava, caimito 2009 Sta Maria Rizal Pililla coconut 2007 Sorsogon Gubat, Sorsogon coconut 2010 Zambales Subic coconut, guava 2008 Po lillo Quezon Burdeos, Polillo coconut, atis, guava 2008 Marinduque Marinduque Boac, Sta. Cruz coconut, bun, nipa 2011 Mindoro Mindoro Oriental Calapan City, Naujan coconut, mistletoe 2011 Palawan Palawan Puerto Princesa City coconut, palmera, Manila 2009 palm, atis Leyte Leyte Baybay coconut, palmera 2007 Bohol Bohol Panglao, Tagbilaran City coconut Cebu Cebu Cebu City, Mandaue City coconut 2010 Negros Negros Occidental Bacolod City, La Carlota, La Granja, coconut 2011 San Carlos City Panay Iloilo Iloilo City coconut 2010 Guimaras Guim aras Port Area coconut 2010 Mindanao Bukidnon Malaybalay City, Musuan coconut 2010 Davao del Norte Panabo City, Tagum City coconut, banana, royal palm, 2009 palmera, Davao del Sur Digos City, Sta. Cruz coconut, banana, palmera, 2007 phoenix, bottle palm, guava Misamis Oriental Cagayan de Oro City palmera 2010 North Cotabato Kabacan City, Makilala coconut 2007 Saranggani Kiamba, Maitum coconut, banana, atis, nipa 2007 South Cotabato Gen.Santos City, Marbel, Polomolok, coconut 2007 Tampakan, Tupi Sultan Kudarat Tacurong coconut 2007 * refers to the year when the presence of BCM was confirmed, especially for places visited more than once.

2-3 h by boat ride from Real in mainland Quezon active as in the case of animals which are highly Province, eventhough visits to the island have been mobile and/or capable of long-distance dispersal, or conducted 1-2 times a year since 2002. The same is passive like many sessile and slow-moving true for Marinduque where BCM was only observed to arthropods. Among scaleinsects,including the occur in 2011 although yearly visits were done since mealybugs, dispersal is mainly through wind-carried 2008. Nevertheless,the occurrence of BCM in first instar nymphs (Figure 1) called crawlers (Gullan Baguio City and La Trinidad City in Benguet Province and Kosztarab 1997). Dispersal aided by ants is seems to be limited to the commercial areas there. generally restricted to species with obligate mutualistic The BCM has not been observed yetinData, relationships with attendant ants as observed by Klein Mountain Province and Lagawe, lfugao during the et al. (1992). The spread or expansion of range (or visits in 2007, and in the !locos Region during yearly 'ranging' according to Walter 2003) may not be always visits there since 2009. to escape adverse conditions but could be part of Dispersal refers to the spreading of an organism's positive response to favorable environmental propagules or movement of individuals into or out of a conditions. Thus, dispersal through wind probably population or area (Spellerburg and Sawyer 1999; occurs more regularly than previously thought (den Odum and Barrett 2005). Spread or movement by Boer. 1990). itself, may be difficult to directly observe or monitor particularly for minute animals. The study of spread As mentioned, mealybugs, like other scale insects, among small arthropods is probably one of the areas disperse through crawlers having a free ride with wind "around which ecological generalizations have yet to currents. However, there was no chronological order be developed" (Walter 2003). The spread can be of occurrences on islands and provinces that would

50 Expansion of Host Ranges of Nipaecoccus nipae coincidewithknown occurrenceofmajorwind Koenig) Sm.); Dapong Kahoy or Mistletoe (Loranthus directions in the country. New locality records of BCM philippinensis Cham. &Schlecht.); Ornamental as listed in Table 1 were dominated by urban and banana (Musa ornataRoxburgh);River red gum urbanized areas, and the major trading centers and (Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh); Climbing ports of entry. The occurrence of BCM in those new pandanus (Freycinetia multiflora Merr.); Iron bamboo locality records as well as the initial local outbreaks on (Guadua angustifolia Kunth); Satinleaf or caimitillo ornamental plants and other commercially valuable (Chrysophyllum oliviformeLinn.);Traveller's palm crops indicate that the spread of this invasive species (RavenalamadagascariensisSonn.);andTorch is mainly through human activities.An example of ginger (Alpinia purpurata (Vieill.)K. Schum.). The such human activityistheflourishingtrade on new host records bring the total host range to 20 ornamental plants which has largely capitalized on families, 47 genera and 71 species.Of the 17 new consumer fancy for trendy exotics rather than on host records, 6 species are shown in Figure 3, each native ornamentals but without the necessary strict representing the families of plants (Alismataceae, implementation of phytosanitary regulations. Costaceae,Loranthaceae, Pandanaceae, Poaceae Obviously, the polyphagous nature of BCM is a and Zingiberaceae) now reported as new hosts of significant factor in its spread. As far as inter-island BCM in the Philippines. andotherrelativelylongdispersalroutesare concerned, however, wind and humans could be the Based on the report of Lit et al. (2006), the number of major agents of BCM dispersal and spread.This is species being infested rose from four during the first supported by the trend of first occurrences in urban survey in 2001 to 12 in 2004 (Figure 4). In 2005, the and trade centers and ports of entry as well as the number increased to 25 plant species. This went up lack of pattern attributable or coincident to distribution drastically in 2006 and 2007 with 53 and 59 host of host plants, including the apparently more preferred plants recorded,respectively. The present survey hosts (e.g. coconuts and other palms). conducted to include areas in Mindanao confirmed that BCM infestation had reached this part of the The Philippine Department of Agriculture - Bureau of country (Table 1). The long dry spell during 2006- Plant Industry issued strict quarantine measures for 2007couldbe thereasonforsuchincrease. coconut and other palms to halt or arrest the spread of Mealybugs like most sternorrhynchans are regarded coconutpests,targetingspecificallythebeetle as dry season pests as their reproduction is generally Brontispalongissima Gestro, another invasive favored bythewarm temperatureandother species. The implementation of the ban on transport environmental conditions during dry seasons. In and import of coconut produce, seedlings and other addition,thelowerrelativehumidityandless products has slowed down the spread of Brontispa precipitationduring dry months that favorscale and by default also of the BCM. The main problem insectsarenotfavorablefortheirpathogens. however, is that coconut is not the only host of BCM. Although mealybugs are covered with waxy The BCM can spread to other places through the secretions, these secretions are not enough to protect Unlike movement of agricultural crops and products. themagainstattackparticularly byfungi like Brontispa however, BCM apparently easily succumbs Neozygites fumosa (Speare) Remaudiere & Keller as to heavy rains brought about by seasonal monsoon reported by Villacarlos (2000). Since then,2-3 rains and strong typhoons but spreads probably faster species per year were added to the list, and a total of during prolonged periods of drought.This is mainly 71 host plants were finally recorded in this paper. the reason why BCM is easier to control and manage Again, this indicates the rapid spread of the pest to than Brontispa. other areas.In other countries where BCM has been previously known to occur, this species has also been Extentof BCM Infestationon SeveralPlant Species known to be polyphagous. An updated list of plants that are now confirmed hosts of BCM is presented in Table 2. The list includes 17 Comparison of the Philippine Records with World species (in boldface letters) which are new host Record of Host Plants records for the Philippines.They are the: Mexican Worldwide, the host plants of BCM consist of 96 sword-plant (Echinodorus palaefolius (Nees & Mart.) species that belong to 85 genera and 42 families (Ben J.F.Macbr.);Indian Lanutan (Polyalthia longifolia -Dov 1994; Ben-Dov and Miller 2009).Combining Benth. & Hook. f.); Lukmoy or Tabatib those reported by Lit et al. (2006) and the new host (RhaphidophoramerrilliiEngl.);Queensland palm records in this paper, the Philippine host plant record (Archantophoenix alexandriae H. Wendl. & Drude); includes 71 species in 47 genera and 20 families. Buri (Cotypha utan Lam.); Spindle palm (Hyophorbe Potentially, therefore, there are still 25 species in 38 verschaffeltii H. Wendl.); Anahau (Livistona genera and 22 families that may be discovered as rotundifolia (Lam.) Mart.); Abiki (Pinanga copelandii host plants in the Philippines.It is also worth noting Becc.);Stepladderplant (Costus malortianus H. that the Alismataceae, Loranthaceae and Poaceae Wend land); Spiralginger(Costus speciosus(J. (=Gramineae), here reported as among the six new

MT Caasi-Lit et al 51 Table 2. Updated host list of the buff coconut mealybug, Nipaecoccus nipae (Maskell), in the Philippines. New host records are written in boldface letters.

Family English and Other Names Scientific Name ALISMATACEAE Mexican sword-plant Echinodorus palaefolius (Nees & Mart.) J.F. Macbr. ANNONACEAE Atemoya Annona atemoya Hort. Soursop, Guyabano Annona muricata L. Anonas Annona reticulata L. Sweetsop, Sugar apple, Atis Annona squamosa L. Indian Lanutan Polyalthia longifolia Benth. & Hook. f. Biriba Rollinia deliciosa Saff. AR ACEAE Dumb cane, Bakya Dieffenbachia amoena Bull. Dumb cane Dieffenbachia maculata (Lodd.) G. Don Lukmoy, Tabatib Rhaphidophora merrillii Engl. Gabing San Fernando Xanthosoma sagittifolia (L.) Schott. ARECACEAE Manila palm, Bunga de Jo lo Adonidia merrillii (Becc.) Becc. Queensland palm Archantophoenix alexandriae H. Wendl. & Drude Betel nut palm Areca catechu L. Fishtail palm, Pugahan Caryota cumingii Lodd. ex Mart Large fishtail palm, Takipan Caryota rumphiana Mart var. philippinensis Becc. Bamboo palm Chamaedorea seifrizii Burret Coconut, Niyog, Lubi Cocos nucifera L. Buri Corypha utan Lam. Red palm Cyrtostachys renda Blume Blue palm, Triangle palm Dypsis decaryi (H. Jumelle) Beentje & J. Dransf. Golden Palm, Palmera Dypsis lutescens (H. Wendl.) Beentje & J. Dransf. Madagascar palm Dypsis madagascariensis (Becc.) Beentje & J. Dransf. Normandy palm Dypsis sp. African oil palm Elaeis guineensis Jacq. Saguisi Heterospathe elata Scheff. Marighoi Heterospathe intermedia (Becc.) Fernando Champagne/ Bottle palm Hyophorbe lagenicaulis (L.1-I. Bailey) H.E. Moore Spindle palm Hyophorbe verschaffeltii H. Wendl. Licuala, Balatbat-bilog Licuala grandis H.Wendl. Spiny licuala, Balatbat Licuala spinosa Wurmb. Anahau Livistona rotundifolia (Lam.) Mart. Nipa, Sasa Nypa fruticans Wurmb. Date palm Phoenix dactylifera L. Date palm, Voiavoi Phoenix loureiroi Kunth Date palm Phoenix roebelinii O'Brien Abiki Pinanga copelandii Becc. Kuhl abiki Pinanga coronata (Blume ex. Mart) Blume Gasigan Pinanga heterophylla Becc. Sarauag Pinanga insignis Becc. Tigbisa Pinanga maculata Porte ex. Lam. Banisan Pinanga speciosa Becc. MacArthur palm Ptychosperma macarthurii Wendl. Rhapis, Lady palm Rhapis excelsa (Thunb.) Henry Royal palm Roystonea regia (HBK) O.F. Cook Foxtail palm Wodyetia bifurcata A.K. Irvine CANNACEAE Bandera Espanola Canna indica L. CO NVALLAR IACEAE Ti plant Cordyline fruticosa (L.) A. Chev. Baston de San Jose Cordyline terminalis (L.) Kunth. var. ferrea (L.) Endl. COSTACEAE Stepladder plant Costus malortianus H. Wend land Spiral ginger Costus speciosus (J. Koenig) Sm. CYCLANTHACEAE Panama hat palm Carludovica palmata Ruiz & Pay. HELICONIACEAE Yellow plantain Heliconia bihai (L.) L. False bird of paradise Heliconia platystachys Baker LAURACEAE Alligator pear, Avocado Persea americana Mill. LORANTHACEAE Dapong Kahoy, Mistletoe Loranthus philippinensis Cham. & Schlecht. MAR ANTACE AE Arrow root, Uraro Maranta arundinacea 0. Petersen MORACEAE Himbabao Broussonetia luzonica (Blanco) Bur. MUSACEAE Ornamental Banana Musa ornata Roxburgh Banana, saba, lakatan Musa x paradisiaca L. MYRTACEAE River red gum Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh Bagras Eucalyptus deglupta L. Guava, Bayabas Psidium .quaiava L.

52 Expansion of Host Ranges of Nipaecoccus nipae Table 2. Continued...

Family English and Other Names Scientific Name ANDS AEAE hmbing pan anus reycinetia multi lora Merr. POACEAE Iron bamboo Guadua angustifolia Kunth SAPOTACEAE Star apple, Caimito Chtysophyllum cainito L. Satinleaf, Caimitillo Chrysophyllum oliviforme Linn. Sapodilla, Chico Manilkara zapota (L.) P.van Royen STRELITZIACEAE Traveller's palm Ravenala madagascariensis Sonn. True bird of paradise Strelitzia reginae L. ZINGIBERACEAE Torch ginger Alpinia purpurata (Vieill.) K. Schum.

Figure 3. Six of 17 new host plant records of Nipaecoccus nipae, representing the six new host plant families in the Philippines. A. Alpinia purpurata (Zingiberaceae). B.Freycinetia multiflora (Pandanaceae). C. Costus malortianus (Costaceae). D. Echinodorus palaefolius (Alismataceae). E. Guadua angustifolia (Poaceae). F. Loranthus philippinensis (Loranthaceae).

MT Caasi-Lit et at 53 80 Table 3. Number of plant species collected from each family as host plantsof the buff coconut 70 mealybug, Nipaecoccus nipae (Maskell), in the Philippines. 50 Number of No. of Host 40 Family Percent Plants Species 30 Alismataceae 1 1.4 6 8.4 2 0 Annonaceae Araceae 4 5.6 10 Arecaceae 35 49.3 Cannaceae 1 1.4 Convallariaceae 2 2.8 6\ ;1' Costaceae 2 2.8 Year Cyclanthaceae 1 1.4 Hel iconiaceae 2 2.8 Figure 4. The increasing number of host plants infested Lauraceae 1 1.4 with the buff coconut mealybug from 2001 to Loranthaceae 1 1.4 2011. (Source of data from 2001 to 2006: Lit Mara ntacea e 1 1.4 et al. 2006). Moraceae 1 1.4 Musaceae 2 2.8 Myrtaceae 3 4.2 host plant families in the Philippinesare also not Pandanaceae 1 1.4 among the families listed as hosts by Ben-Dov (1994) Poaceae 1 1.4 in his world catalogue. In addition, the hosts reported Sapotaceae 3 4.2 in this paper and in the previous one (Lit et al. 2006) Strelitziaceae 2 2.8 Zingiberaceae 1 1.4 are backed up by specimen documentations, with a TOTAL 71 100.0 clearcriterionforclassifyingaplantashost. Definitely, there are host plant families, genera and Oecophylla smaragdina Fabricius, and an species reportedinother countriesthat are not undeterminedspeciesofDolichoderusattendto present in the Philippines.It is also possible that colonies of BCM. The undetermined Dolichoderus sp. locally available varieties of known host plants might mentioned by Lit et al. (2006) is confirmed in the be resistant to BCM infestation. present study as D. thoracicus. These ant species are common in most agroecosystems and their Based on the known host range in the Philippines, attendanceto BCM coloniesismostprobably BCM is primarily associated with palms in the family facultative, like the relationships of these ants to other Arecaceae comprising about 35 species or 49.3% of mealybugs. As BCM isrelatively new locally, the all known host plants (Table 3). According to Maskell significance of the presence of these ants to BCM (1893), this pest was originally described from Nypa occurrence, distribution and spread needs further fruticans,a palm species abundantly growingin study. mangroves, in Demerara, Guyana in South America. Several other palms were recorded including the economically important coconut, Cocos nucifera and SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION almost all kinds of palms. These numerical values includethesinglespecies (Panamahatpalm, This paper is a sequel to the study by Lit et al. (2006) Carludovica palmata Ruiz & Pay.;Figure1)that where host plants infested with BCM were recorded. belongs to the Cyclanthaceae, a close ally of the In this paper, local geographical distribution and host Palmae (Arecaceae). plant range data are updated by reporting new results gathered in the continuing documentation of BCM Associated Ants and Local Natural Enemies spread and infestation from 2007 to June 2011. New organisms associated with the BCM are also reported for the first time. These include larvae of the The results in this study confirm that the geographical green lacewing, Mallada basalis (Walker) range of N. nipae in the Philippines has widened since (Chrysopidae, Neuroptera), and the brown lacewing, the last documentation of its local distribution in 2006. Micromus igorotus Banks (Hemerobiidae, During that time, Philippine populations of BCM were Neuroptera), that were observed to prey on nymphs known only from the provinces of Batangas, Cavite, and adults, the first known locally available natural Laguna and Quezon, and in Davao City.The new enemies of BCM. The blackants,Dolichoderus areas of infestation are:i)the provinces of Albay, thoracicus (Smith),fireants,Solenopsis geminata Bataan,Benguet, Camarines Sur,Isabela,Metro (Jerdon),andcrazyants,Anoplolepisgracilipes Manila, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Pangasinan, (Fabricius) (Formicidae, Hymenoptera), were Rizal, Sorsogon and Zambales inLuzon;ii)the occasionally observed to attend to BCM colonies.Lit provinces of Bukidnon, Davao del Norte, Davao del etal.(2006)notedthat onlythe weaver ants, Sur, Misamis Oriental, North Cotabato, Saranggani,

54 Expansion of Host Ranges of Nipaecoccus nipae South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat in Mindanao; and Caasi-Lit MT, Lit ILJr, Larona AR, Plata R, & Egea iii)inthe islands ofPolillo,Marinduque, Mindoro RD. 2009a. Need for rehabilitating the mealybug- (Mindoro Oriental Province), Palawan, Leyte (Leyte infestedatisplantationsinLobo,Batangas: Province), Bohol, Cebu, Negros (Negros Occidental lessons to learn. Philipp Ent 23(2): 180. Province),Panay(IloiloProvince) and Guimaras. Among the places visited within 2006-2011, BCM is Caasi-Lit MT, Lit ILJr, Larona AR, Dizon TO. 2009b. not known or confirmed yet to occur in Mountain Invasion of the buff coconut mealybug Province,Ifugao and the provinces of the !locos (Nipaecoccus nipae) in UP Los Banos campus, Region. elucidation of the confounded "Mealybug burn" damage and practical control.In Abstracts of paperspresentedduring 30th There was also 20% increase in number of host plant NAST Annual species infested by BCM. As of 2011, the list includes Scientific Meeting, July 9-10, Manila Hotel, Metro 20 families, 47 genera and 71 species with 17 species Manila. Trans NAST Philipp 31(1): 29-30. as new host records for the Philippines. Based on the Caasi-Lit MT, Lit ILJr, Larona AR. 2008. Boom and known host range in the Philippines and elsewhere, bust and other updates among local populations BCM isprimarilyassociatedwithpalms(family of the buff coconut mealybug, Nipaecoccus nipae Arecaceae). (Maskell) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae). In Abstracts of papers presented during 30th NAST New associated organisms are also reported for the Annual Scientific Meeting, July 9-10, Manila Hotel, first time in the Philippines.These include lacewing Metro Manila. Trans NAST Philipp 30(1): 39-40. larvae that have been observed to prey on nymphs and adults, the first known locally available natural Den Boer PJ. 1990. The survival value of dispersal in enemies of BCM. Five species of ants are also now terrestrial arthropods. Biol Cons 54: 175-192. known to occasionally attend to BCM colonies. Gullan PJ, Kosztarab M. 1997.Adaptations in scale insects. Annu Rev Entomol 42: 23-50

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Klein RW, Kovac D, Schellerich A, Maschwitz U. 1992.Mealybug-carrying by swarming queens of The authors would like to thank Ms. Wilma Cuaterno a SoutheastAsian bamboo-inhabiting ant. for inviting Dr. M.C. Lit to travel to Region 11 and Naturwissenschaften 79: 422-423. Region 12 and monitor the infestation level of BCM in LitILJr,Caasi-LitMT, LaronaAR. 2006a. the area; Ms. Lilian V. Punzalan and Ms. Regina U. Nipaecoccus nipae (Maskell), an invasive Herrera for their assistance in the on-going life history mealybug attacking agricultural crops and forest studies,rearing and insect preservation;Dr.Ma. trees. In Abstracts of papers presented during the Dulce J. Mostoles, Dr. Joan C. Orense and Mabel A. Annual Scientific Conference of the Philippine Capricho for sharing information on BCM occurrences Association of Entomologists, Inc., held during the in the Bicol Region and Cebu; and Mr. Russel C. 37th Annual Convention of the Pest Management Larona for his help in drawing the map shown in Council of the Philippines, May 2-5, 2006. Grand Figure 2. Regal Hotel, Davao City, Philippines.Philipp Ent 20(2): 179.

LITERATURE CITED Lit ILJr, Caasi-Lit MT, Larona AR. 2006b. The buff coconut mealybug, Nipaecoccus nipae (Ma ske II), Ben-Dov Y.1994. A Systematic Catalogue of the a new invasive pest in the Philippines with a Mealybugs of the World (Insecta:Homoptera: synopsisofcoconutmealybugs(Hemiptera: Coccoidea: Pseudococcidae and Putoidae) with Coccoidea: Pseudococcidae). Philipp Agric Data on Geographical Distribution, Host Plants, Scientist 89 (1): 7-19. Biology and Economic Importance. Andover, UK: LitILJr,Caasi-Lit MT. 2005.Island hopping and Intercept Limited. 686 pp. burning without fire: The case of the buff coconut Ben-Dov Y,MillerDR. 2011.Scale Net.http:// mealybug, a new invasive pest. UPLB Museum of www.sel. barc. usda. gov/scalenet/scalenet. htm. Natural History Seminar Series, UP Los Banos, Last updated 15 August 2011. College, Laguna. July 25. Caasi-Lit MT, Lit ILJr, Larona AR, Manzanilla C, Plata Lit ILJr, Caasi-Lit MT. 2009. Unprecedented R, Egea RD. 2008. Invasive mealybug: the culprit multispeci es outbreaks of scale insects inthe declineof theatisindustryinLobo, (Hemiptera:Coccoidea) inMindanaoIsland, Batangas. In Abstracts of papers presented during Philippines:effects of climate change or poor the 30th NAST Annual Scientific Meeting, July 9- quarantinepractices.InAbstractsofpapers 10,Manila Hotel,Metro Manila. Trans NAST presented during the 10th International Congress Philipp 30(1): 104. of Ecology (INTECOL 2009), 16-21 August 2009.

MT Caasi-Lit et at 55 Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, Spellerberg IF, Sawyer JWD. 1999. An Introduction Brisbane, Queensland, Australia (CD Rom). toAppliedBiogeography. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press. xiv + 243 p. Maskell WM. 1893. Furthercoccidnotes:with descriptions of new species from Australia, India, VillacarlosLT.2000. Two Neozygitesspecies Sandwich Islands, Demerara, and South Pacific. (Zygomycetes: Entomophthorales) infecting Trans N Z lnst 25: 201-252. aphids and mealybugs on Leyte Island. Philipp. Ent. 14(1): 31-36. Odum EP,Barrett GW. 2005.Fundamentalsof Ecology. 5th Ed. Belmont, CA, USA: Thomson Walter GH. 2003. Insect Pest Management and Brooks/Cole. xviii + 598 p. Ecological Research. New York, USA: Cambridge University Press.xii + 387 p.

56 Expansion of Host Ranges of Nipaecoccus nipae