First record of the pyriform scale, Protopulvinaria pyriformis Cockerell (Hemiptera: Coccidae), on Laurus nobilis L. in Tunisia

This paper reports the first finding of the pyriform scale, Protopulvinaria pyriformis Cockerell (1894), infesting laurel, Laurus nobilis L., in Tunisia. The pest was found in May 2020 in a private garden in the region of Jawhara, Governorate of Sousse, Coastal Tunisia. Heavily infested laurel trees were observed on which the upper surfaces of leaves were extensively covered with a black sooty mould. Brief notes on diagnostic features of this scale and symptoms of infestation are presented. Possible pest risks and control measures aimed at avoiding the potential further spread of the pest in Tunisia are discussed.