Oleander

Nerium oleander L. (N. indicum) Apocyanaceae

PAGE UNDER CONSTRUCTION

The natural range of this species is from SW Europe to E Asia where it is found particularly on river banks and riverine gravel. However, it has become the most ubiquitous flowering shrub or tree of the Mediterranean. Plants are able to survive in S/W England. All parts of the tree are toxic from the presence of glycoside cardiotoxins. Despite this the plant acts as host for numerous homopteran species as well as some moths and other pests. The homopteran bugs include scales and aphids so the shrub acts as host for a variety of ladybirds and other predators.

	Aphis nerii Boyer de Fonscolombe is the distinctive deep yellow oleander aphid and is found widely (these at Palafrugell, Girona, Catalunya). Adonis' ladybirds were seen in some number on these urban shrubs (right). oleander_aphid gives much information.
	Other aphids are also found but the plant also hosts several scale insects especially the oleander scale Aspiodotus nerii Bouch - see ento.csiro and the false oleander scale Pseudaulacaspis cockerelli - see olenader
	A less host-specific scale is Saissetia oleae Olivier, the olive black scale found on olives, ivy, citrus and other Mediterranean trees. It is an armoured scale with a hard outer covering. Some information is given at RAVAGEUR At various places in Catalunya heavy infestation of these was associated with the Heather ladybird.

RETURN TO MEDITERRANEAN
RETURN TO INSECTS IN GARDENS

CREATED 11/9/2004