A new pest scale insect on avocado trees in Colombia, Laurencella colombiana, sp n. (Hemiptera : Coccoidea : Margarodidae)

A new scale insect pest of avocado trees (Persea americana, Lauraceae) in C olombia is becoming increasingly important at altitudes over 2000 meters ab ove sea level, killing branches by excessive extraction of plant sap and re ducing productivity by causing development of sooty mould on leaves and fru it. The adult male and female of Laurencella colombiana, sp. n. are describ ed and illustrated. The female is recognizable by the presence of numerous distinctive cribriform cicatrices on the venter of the abdomen only. The ge nus Laurencella is redefined and placed in tribe Llaveiini (Monophlebinae). An identification key to the genera of Llaveiini and species of the genus Laurencella is provided. Other species of scale insect (Coccoidea) recorded on avocado world-wide are listed.