Confirmation of the presence of small spruce bud scale, Physokermes hemicryphus (Hemiptera: Coccoidea: Coccidae), in Britain

The presence of Physokermes hemicryphus (Dalman) in Britain has been confirmed for the first time. A large population of P. hemicryphus was found in Stamford Bridge, East Yorkshire, during 2006[long dash]2008 damaging a Norway spruce (Picea abies). Two hundred and eight post-reproductive adults were collected in October and November 2007; 92% were found to have parasitoid exit holes (up to 13 holes per scale). Three hymenopterous parasitoids and one beetle were reared from the scales: Aphycoides clavellatus (Dalman) (Encyrtidae); Aprostocetus ?trjapitzini (Kostjukov) (Eulophidae); Microterys lunatus (Dalman) (Encyrtidae) and an Anthribus sp. (Anthribidae). A small number of first instar P. hemicryphus were observed in May 2008, almost two months earlier than usually recorded. Examination of specimens deposited at the Natural History Museum, London, and the Central Science Laboratory revealed that P. hemicryphus occurs widely in England and has been misidentified in the past as P. piceae Schrank. The status of P. piceae in Britain is uncertain as no valid specimens were found. Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco is recorded as a new host plant for P. hemicryphus. The host range, biology, geographical distribution and economic importance of P. hemicryphus are reviewed.