Scientific Name

Coccus, Saissetia, Parthenolecanicum, Aspidotus species

Common Name

Scale Insect

Phylum, Class

Hemioptera, Coccoidea

Physical Description

Sap feeding insects. Nymphs and mature females produce white yellow, brown wax scales, 5mm long, covering body. These remain static. Mobile adults are 1-2mm long have a single pair of wings, although these are rare.

Distribution, Habitat

Widespread in greenhouses, interior landscapes, homes.

Life Cycle

Thousands of eggs laid on under sides of scales and wax on leaf. Surface nymphs hatch weeks or months later, and disperse. At 18-25C develops to maturity in 2 months. Also parthenogenetic reproduction.

Method Of Attack

Nymph inserts stylet into plant tissue, collecting flowing juices

Damage Caused

Colonies infest leaves and stems and excrete a sugary substance which may develop sooty mould. Leaves and growth may distort or wilt.

Cultural Control

Difficult to treat in inaccessible places, as protected by wax. May be shaken off, or sprayed with soapy water.

Chemical Control

Best to use non persistent insecticides. Biroesmethrin, Dizizinum, Malathion, Nicotene good. In Spring and Summer. repeat in two weeks. If not timed with egg hatch then systemics may be used Dimethoate/Formothion. Also Methylated Spirits on brushes.

Biological Control

Metalphycus helvolus is a parasitoid which attacks young nymphs, by feeding on them and laying eggs within. Must be fed honey. Also Encrytus infelix, Encrystus lecaniorum is used on specific species.

Stage Vulnerable

Nymphs and eggs.