A new threat to Ecuadorian flora: first report of the pink hibiscus mealybug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green, 1908) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) and its potential biological control agent

The presence of the pink hibiscus mealybug (PHM), Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) is reported for the first time in urban trees in Guayaquil (2022) and Portoviejo (2023), Ecuador. PHM was found in more than 55 plant species, including export crops. Among the most affected species in this study are plants from the families Anacardiaceae, Annonaceae, Fabaceae, Heliconiaceae, Malvaceae, Rhizophoraceae, Rubiaceae, Verbenaceae and Zingiberaceae. Additionally, the wasp Anagyrus kamali Moursi (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) was detected parasitizing M. hirsutus in several locations, including the cantons of Manta and Portoviejo, in the province of Manabí, and in the Samborondón canton, in the province of Guayas. This finding opens the possibility of implementing effective biological control strategies, reducing dependence on insecticides and protecting biodiversity. Environmental education is recommended to promote sustainable agricultural practices and integrated pest management.