Biological Notes on the Mealybug Dysmicoccus obesus (Homoptera: Pseudococcidae) on Loblolly Pine in Southern Arkansas

Dysmicoccus obesus (Lobdell) was first found in Arkansas in 1983 living in crevices, under bark scales of loblolly pines (Pinus taeda L.). Most mealybugs (77%) were found on the bole between 0–90 cm of the ground, and they showed slight preferences for the northern and southern bole exposures. Crematogaster ants were observed tending the mealybugs. Three broods per year were detected, with adults produced in May, July and September. Dysmicoccus obesus probably overwinter off the tree as immatures. Cytogenetic observations showed D. obesus was sexual and the sex ratio of eggs was 1:1. Males were never found. Mean fecundity was 300 ± 15 (SE). The documented occurrence of D. obesus from 10 southern and southeastern states suggests its distribution is probably throughout the range of its loblolly pine host. Records from Maryland indicate the mealybug also feeds on Virginia pine (P. virginiana Mill.).