Cactus Felt Scale
Acanthococcus coccineus
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Identification
The adult females look like bluish-red mealy bugs and are 3mm long. When the females are mature they enclose themselves in a loose, white, felty sac, usually at the tips of spines.Prevention
This is relatively new and has only been found once in the uk.
New plant introductions should be carefully observed and quarantined.
Cure
If an infestation of cactus felt scale is suspected in the UK the local Plant Health and Seed Inspectorate should be informed.More detailed info. here