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General Impact Aulacaspis yasumatsui (cycad aulacaspis scale (CAS)) threatens both ornamental and wild cycad populations. It spreads rapidly and can cover a large cycad within a number of weeks (Haynes & Marler, 2005). It has been observed to kill 100% of a Cycas revoluta population in cultivation within one year of infestation (Howard et al. 1999). CAS has the potential to disrupt the horticultural trade in cycads. Cycads are valuable ornamental plants worldwide and the scale detracts from the appearance of plants even after treatment as the dead scales do not readily drop off (Howard et al. 1999). CAS also threatens the survival of several rare and already endangered species conserved in botanical collections (Howard et al. 1999; J. Haynes, pers. comm). CAS can be easily spread to new locations via the plant trade as one or more fecund females on the plant can easily evade detection. This could threaten native cycad populations in these new locations (Emshousen et al. 2004), as is occurring in Guam where CAS is killing off the native cycad (see Cycas micronesica in IUCN Red List of Threatened Species) at an alarming rate (Haynes & Marler, 2005). It is expected that CAS will spread to other islands in the Caribbean and Micronesia unless strict controls are put in place to restrict its spread via commercial cycads. Indigenous cycads in the genus Cycas in Micronesia would be at risk should the spread of CAS be left unchecked in these regions (Muniappan, 2005; J. Haynes, pers. Comm). CAS has been reported in the Taitung Cycad Nature Reserve, Taiwan, home of the endemic prince sago (see Cycas taitungensis in IUCN Red List of Threatened Species). A recent survey conducted in the reserve by the Taiwan Forestry Research Institute found that 90% of prince sago were infected by CAS, mortality was, however, found to be less than 3%.          Location Specific Impacts: Guam   Ecosystem change: Guam's native fadang plants (Cycas micronesica) provide crucial food for other species, such as the endangered Marianas flying fox (see Pteropus mariannus in IUCN Red List of Threatened Species), and an indigenous stem borer (Dihammus marianarum). Fadang are the most numerous plants on Guam and therefore have an important ecological role which could result in a cascading effect should there populations be removed or severely reduced (Haynes and Marler, 2005). Reduction in native biodiversity: In September 2004, it was reported that wild fadang plants in Guam (see Cycas micronesica in IUCN Red List of Threatened Species) had begun to die from cycad scale infestations in the jungles of Ypao Point on the south end of Tumon Bay. By May 2005, the cycad scale had begun killing fadang plants in other parts of Guam (Haynes and Marler, 2005). Without intervention, it is reasonable to expect very high mortality of C. micronesica on Guam, and possibly the loss of all wild plants (Moore 2005). The cycad scale has also reduced the original king sago (see Cycas revoluta in IUCN Red List of Threatened Species) population on Guam by at least half, as of May 2005 (Marler, pers. Comm.; in Haynes and Marler, 2005). Taitung Cycad Nature Reserve (Taiwan)   Reduction in native biodiversity: CAS is endandgering an indigenous species of cycad, prince sago (see Cycas taitungensis in IUCN Red List of Threatened Species). Fairchild Tropical Gardens (United States (USA))   Threat to endangered species: CAS threatens the survival of several rare and endangered cycad species conserved in collections at Montgomery Botanical Center and Fairchild Tropical Gardens in Miami, Florida (Howard et al 1999). Montgomery Botanical Center (United States (USA))   Threat to endangered species: CAS threatens the survival of several rare and endangered cycad species conserved in collections at Montgomery Botanical Center and Fairchild Tropical Gardens in Miami, Florida (Howard et al 1999). Florida (USA) (United States (USA))   Economic/Livelihoods: The cycad scale has caused significant economic losses to the cycad industry in Florida, and threatens the large concentration of nurseries in southern Florida which grow and ship cycads throughout the USA as well as overseas (APHIS, 2002; Weissling et al 1999). Threat to endangered species: The preferred host of CAS in Florida appears to be the threatened king sago (Cycas revoluta). CAS also threatens the survival of several rare and endangered cycad species conserved in collections at Montgomery Botanical Center and Fairchild Tropical Gardens in Miami, Florida (Howard et al 1999).