About Nipponaclerda biwakoensis (Kuwana, 1907)
Nipponaclerda biwakoensis (Kuwana, 1907) is a species of scale insect. It was originally described from specimens collected in Japan, and also occurs naturally in China. In both its native range countries, it is most commonly associated with reeds of the genus Phragmites. As of 2017, this species has become established in Louisiana, United States. In Louisiana, it has rapidly become a serious pest of roseau cane, damaging over 80% of the reeds in some areas including the Pass a Loutre Wildlife Management Area. Within the region, it is known by two common names: the older name Phragmites scale insect, and the more recently created name roseau cane mealybug. Multiple species of parasitoid wasps are known to attack this scale insect. Initial research into biological control has focused on the species Neastymachus japonicus, which is only known to attack this single pest species.
