First Record of <i>Ferrisia virgata</i>, (Cockerell)<i> </i>(Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) Striped Mealybug in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

The present study documents the first confirmed occurrence of the striped mealybug, Ferrisia virgata (Cockerell) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), previously recorded only from Hyderabad, Sindh, Pakistan. The species was identified during laboratory experiments initially aimed at Phenacoccus solenopsis. Field-collected specimens were obtained from brinjal (Solanum melongena) and ornamental plants (Jatropha spp.) at the University of Agriculture, Peshawar, which exhibited characteristic symptoms of mealybug infestation. Accurate identification was achieved through standard morphological analysis, revealing key diagnostic traits such as longitudinal waxy dorsal stripes, lateral wax filaments and the absence of translucent pores on the hind legs. This discovery, made during a pest collection survey in August 2024, marks a significant addition to the regional entomo-fauna and raises concerns about the pest’s potential to spread further. F. virgata is a highly polyphagous insect of global concern, capable of infesting a wide array of crops. Its establishment in KP suggests possible ecological adaptation and highlights the role of interprovincial trade particularly in vegetables like brinjal in facilitating its movement. Given its invasive potential and agricultural significance, this study emphasizes the urgency of region-specific monitoring programs and the implementation of integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.