Phenology of Melanaspis inopinata on pistachio trees in Greece

Melanaspis inopinata Leonardi (Homoptera: Diaspididae) is a pest of the woody portion of the pistachio tree. Observations on the phenology of this scale species, which is viviparous, were carried out at Avlon, Attica, in central Greece, during the years 1990-92. M. inopinata developed one annual generation on pistachio in that region. Females overwintered as not-yet-reproducing adults. Reproductive activity began in late April or the first half of May. The first adults of males appeared in late June or early July. Melanization of the body of immature females was first noticed in early September; all females were melanized by early November. Ovulation was first noticed in mid or late March. An average of 79 ± 16 eggs/female was found in dissections of females at a late stage of ovulation prior to the onset of viviparous activity.