Objective Sphaerolecanium prunastri (Boyer de Fonscolombe) broke out in wild fruit forests in Xinjiang, which caused great harm to the survival of wild apricot and the ecological environment of wild fruit forests. This paper tries to clarify the biological characteristics of S. prunastri in order to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of S. prunastri in wild apricot forest in Xinjiang, China.

Method From June 2019 to June 2020, the morphological characteristics, life history and habits of S. prunastri were studied by laboratory observation and field survey in Gongliu and Xinyuan counties in Xinjiang, China.

Result S. prunastri was sexual dimorphism insect. The female adult was hemispherical and the male has wings. S. prunastri had one generation a year and overwintered as second instar nymphs mainly on the branches. The overwintering mortality was more than 65%. The female adult laid 527 eggs averagely. The estimated lower developmental threshold was 9.50 ℃, and effective accumulated temperature of 81.17 degree-day were required for development from the egg to first instar. The female to male ratio was 1.02: 1. There was no significant difference in the number of S. prunastri in the four directions of the wild apricot tree crown. S. prunastri was mainly distributed on the shade side of three-year-old branches.

Conclusion The best time for prevention and control of S. prunastri in Xinjiang wild fruit forests is the post-hibernant and the enlargement period of 2nd-instar overwintering nymphs (late March to late April) and the dispersal period of 1st-instar nymphs (early to middle June). It is suggested to carry out comprehensive control of S. prunastri in this period.