[Background] The scale insect Lepidosaphes tapleyi Williams (Diaspididae) is a highly polyphagous and widespread species, and is an economically important pest of fruit, vegetables and ornamental plants in tropical and subtropical regions. Long distance transmission usually happens with transporting infested fruit, and nursery stock. It is included on the plant quarantine pest list of the People's Republic of China. In Dec 2014, this species was first intercepted and collected on import cargoes at Huizhou Port in China, which originated in Finland.[Method] Based on collected information about biology and geography of L. tapleyi, we give a summary of its morphological characteristics, distribution, host plants, and biological characters. We also analyse its invasion risk.[Result] Female adult scale elongate, attaining a length of 1.2 mm. Antennae have a single curved seta and anterior spiracles with 3 pores, and its morphological characteristics were similar to related species L. camelliae and L. pallida. Risk analysis showed that it is suitable for L. tapleyi to survival and damage at Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Yunnan, Fujian, Taiwan and Sichuan Provinces in China. An eventual invasion of L. tapleyi would damage mango (Mangifera indica L.), causing loses in fruit industries, reduce the income of local residents and have a negative effect on ecology.[Conclusion and significance] L. tapleyi might invade China. Quarantine measures should be introduced for pest risk management, and biological control options should be explored.