Hemiberlesia rapax
| Greedy Scale | |
|---|---|
| Type: | Insect |
| Binomial: | Hemiberlesia rapax |
| Family: | Diaspididae |
| Order: | Hemiptera |
| Metamorphosis: | Simple |
Greedy Scale is a scale insect with a wide range of hosts. Its origin is uncertain, but it has become an invasive species in many parts of the world.
Description
Small, grayish-white armored scales, generally found in large colonies.
Symptoms and Signs
Severe infestations cause wilting, distortion, and the death of the host plant.
Ecology
Females do not produce wings, crawlers are spread mechanically or by wind.
Host plants
Greedy scale feeds on hundreds of species, including (but not limited to) species in the following genera:
- Abelia
- Acacia
- Bamboos
- Buxus (Boxwood)
- Camellia
- Ceanothus
- Cedrus (Cedar)
- Celtis (Hackberry)
- Cercis (Redbud)
- Cotoneaster
- Diospyros
- Eleagnus
- Erica (Heath)
- Euonymus
- Ficus (Fig)
- Fuchia
- Geranium
- Hedera (Ivy)
- Ilex (Holly)
- Ipomoea
- Juglans (Walnut)
- Juniperus (Juniper)
- Laurus (Laurel)
- Ligustrum (Privet)
- Lonicera (Honeysuckle)
- Magnolia
- Mahonia (Grape-holly)
- Malus (Apple)
- Morus (Mulberry)
- Myrtus
- Olea (Olive)
- Persea (Avocado)
- Plumeria
- Prunus (Stone Fruits)
- Pyracantha (Firethorn)
- Pyrus (Pear)
- Quercus (Oak)
- Rhododendron (Rhododendron, Azalea)
- Robinia (Locust)
- Rosa (Rose)
- Salix (Willow)
- Salvia (Sage)
- Sedum (Rockcress)
- Ulmus (Elm)
- Vaccinium (Blueberry)
- Vitis (Grape)
Control
- Physical removal: Scrubbing
- Biocontrols (microscopic): Ladybugs, Parasitic Wasps