I've made an early start this morning moving some plants out to re-pot them and I've found this critter on one of my Astrophytums.
Seems to be some kind of Giant Mealy Bug.
Rather worryingly it is on a plant near to some that have recently arrived from the continent.
Hope this isn't a new strain of mealy bug.
I can see I am going to be spending the morning hunting around to see if there are any more in the greenhouse.
I've carefully removed it and am going to put it in a box and send it to Kew for identification.
It may be a new species.....
Massive Mealy Bug Invasion
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Please respect all forum members opinions and if you can't make a civil reply, don't reply!
- Chris L
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Massive Mealy Bug Invasion
Joined 1991
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- rodsmith
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Re: Massive Mealy Bug Invasion
That is a whopper, Chris. I've never seen a mealy bug anywhere near that size. It must be at least 5 times the norm. It's a good move to send it to Kew. I hope it isn't the beginning of a giant mealy bug invasion.
Rod Smith
Growing a mixed collection of cacti & other succulents; mainly smaller species with a current emphasis on lithops & conophytum.
Growing a mixed collection of cacti & other succulents; mainly smaller species with a current emphasis on lithops & conophytum.
- Brian
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Re: Massive Mealy Bug Invasion
Ouch over an inch long.
-
- BCSS Member
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Re: Massive Mealy Bug Invasion
On the bright side there will be no problems spotting them!!
Re: Massive Mealy Bug Invasion
The wonders of Photoshop!
- Tony R
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Re: Massive Mealy Bug Invasion
... and before midday too
Tony Roberts
Treasurer, Haworthia Society
Chairman, Tephrocactus Study Group
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Kent
(Gasteria, Mammillaria, small Opuntia, Cleistocactus and Sempervivum are my current special interests)
Treasurer, Haworthia Society
Chairman, Tephrocactus Study Group
Moderator, BCSS Forum
Kent
(Gasteria, Mammillaria, small Opuntia, Cleistocactus and Sempervivum are my current special interests)
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Re: Massive Mealy Bug Invasion
Did I read somewhere that they had been bred in Russia?
Keith
Keith
Re: Massive Mealy Bug Invasion
Surely you're not going to fool for that?
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Re: Massive Mealy Bug Invasion
Wow! I was really taken in by that !!!! Horrible thought that they could ever be that big. We could organise a mealy-bug hunt.
Obsessive Crassulaceae lover, especially Aeoniums but also grow, Aloes, Agaves, Haworthias and a select number of Cacti.
- Brian
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Re: Massive Mealy Bug Invasion
Hook line and sinker well and truly