Nipaecoccus nipae (Maskell) — coconut mealybug (Fig. 1, N)

Occurs widely in tropical and subtropical areas of the Americas (including the Lesser Antilles), Asia and the Pacific, restricted to indoor plantings in cooler temperate regions; polyphagous, feeding on plants belonging to 48 families, including many crop and ornamental plants, exhibits a preference for palms. Recorded from Saint Lucia by Walters (1926), Williams & Granara de Willink (1992), CABI (2005) and Malumphy (2012, on Annona muricata fruit). Two distinct forms exist, one with females producing white wax, and the other yellow wax; both forms were observed by the author on Saint Lucia.

Collection data. Frequently abundant causing chlorosis. Gros-Islet Parish: Rodney Bay (widespread and common), on Chrysalidocarpus lutescens and Cocos nucifera, 16–27.viii.2013, Psidium guajava, 19.viii.2013, unidentified palms, 21.viii.2013, and Asparagus, 16.viii.2013. Intercepted in the UK (London), on A. muricata, 29.vii.2013, leg. D. Dennis (mealybug eggs were attacked by midge larvae Diadiplosis multifila (Felt), det. Keith Harris), and 23.ix.2013, leg. R. Waghorn (associated with predatory mites Eupalopsellidae).