Pest Status, Survey of Natural Enemies, and a Management Plan for the Whitefly Singhiella simplex (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) in the United States

The whitefly Singhiella simplex (Singh) is an invasive species that has been causing damage to Ficus hedges and trees for the last decade and a half in Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, the Middle East, and North and South America. This study provides its biology, current pest status, description, dispersal potential, field key, geographical distribution, host plants, scouting techniques, species assemblage, a survey of its natural enemies, and an overview of its management plan. Singhiella simplex has been found in three states in the USA (Arizona, California, and Florida). Its current range is very limited in Arizona and California. However, it is now widely distributed throughout central and south Florida. Several natural enemies, both native and introduced, are present in the field. The parasitoid wasp Baeoentodon balios Wang, Huang, & Polaszek and the predatory beetle Delphastus pallidus (LeConte) are the most dominant among its natural enemies. This study will provide useful information to manage S. simplex effectively.

Automated summary

The study provides important information about the biology, natural enemies, and management plan of the invasive species Singhiella simplex. In the USA, the pest is mainly found in Arizona, California, and Florida, with central and south Florida being its primary distribution area. The parasitoid wasp Baeoentodon balios and the predatory beetle Delphastus pallidus are the dominant natural enemies of this pest.