[Background] The scale insect Ferrisia malvastra McDaniel (Pseudococcidae) is a highly polyphagous species, and 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. We found individuals of Melochia corchorifolia L. damaged by this insect in the border of Yunnan Province, China and Myanmar in May 2014.[Method] Based on collected information about the biology and geography of F. malvastra, we give a summary of its morphological characteristics, distribution, host plants, and biological characteristics. We also analysed its damage and control measures.[Result] The adult F. malvastra female has a broadly oval body shape, with 8 antennas, attaining a length of 2.5~3.0 mm and a width of 1.5~2.0 mm. These mealybugs always reproduced partheno genetically, and their morphological characteristics were similar to the related species F. virgata. The conditions are suitable for F. malvastra to survive and cause damage in the Chinese provinces of Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Yunnan, and Fujian. An eventual invasion of F. malvastra would damage flowers, fruits and vegetables, causing losses to these industries.[Conclusion and significance] F. malvastra can invade China. Quarantine measures should be introduced for pest risk management, and biological control options should be explored.