Massive Mealy Bug Invasion

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Chris L
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Massive Mealy Bug Invasion

Post by Chris L »

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..... :???:
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rodsmith
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Re: Massive Mealy Bug Invasion

Post by rodsmith »

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.
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Brian
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Re: Massive Mealy Bug Invasion

Post by Brian »

Ouch over an inch long.
Cactusgirl
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Re: Massive Mealy Bug Invasion

Post by Cactusgirl »

On the bright side there will be no problems spotting them!!
Terry S.

Re: Massive Mealy Bug Invasion

Post by Terry S. »

The wonders of Photoshop!
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Tony R
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Re: Massive Mealy Bug Invasion

Post by Tony R »

... and before midday too :wink:
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Keith L
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Re: Massive Mealy Bug Invasion

Post by Keith L »

Did I read somewhere that they had been bred in Russia?

Keith
JaneO
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Re: Massive Mealy Bug Invasion

Post by JaneO »

Surely you're not going to fool for that?
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Re: Massive Mealy Bug Invasion

Post by Liz M »

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.
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Brian
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Re: Massive Mealy Bug Invasion

Post by Brian »

Hook line and sinker well and truly

:stup:
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