An overview of Takahashia japonica: present distribution, host plants, natural enemies and life-cycle, with observations on its morphology

The Asiatic string cottony scale, Takahashia japonica (Cockerell) (Hemiptera, Coccomorpha, Coccidae), was first detected in Europe (Italy) in 2017 and is now established in three European countries. Based on thorough bibliographic research, updated data on its world distribution, host plants and natural enemies are reported. Moreover, according to recent literature, its current systematic placement within the Family Coccidae is discussed. The morphology of first- and second-instar nymphs are described and illustrated using SEM micrography. Some previously undescribed morphological characters of the living second-instar female and the prereproductive female are described and illustrated. The life cycle of this species in North Italy is outlined.