Biosduval Scale

DESCRIPTION

Adults: Cover of the adult female boisduval scale is circular or oval, thin, flat, white to light yellow, semitransparent, and 1.2 to 2.25 millimeters in diameter. Exuviae central to subcentral in position.

Other stages:The male cover is somewhat rectangular in shape, elongate, about 1 millimeter in length, and snow white with three ridges down the back.

Eggs: Boisduval scale eggs are oval and pale yellow to pale orange.

Nymphs:Newly settled nymphs are pale orange. BIOLOGY Host Plants: Cattleya and Cymbidium orchids are the most common hosts, but this scale insect thrives on the leaves and bark of other orchids, palms, banana, and cacti.

BIOLOGY

Host Plants: African violets are most often damaged by cyclamen mites. They also have been found on ivy, snapdragon, chrysanthemum, larkspur, geranium, fuschia, begonia, petunia, daisy, and azalea.

EggsEggs hatch in 5 to 7 days and most of the crawlers settle to feed within 24 hours after hatching. The first stage lasts about 10 days, the second about 8 to 10 days for females and 15 for males. After mating, females retain their eggs for a short period, then oviposit. Because females produce eggs over a long period, generations overlap, and usually all stages can be found at any one time. Crawlers can settle anywhere on the leaf, but seem to prefer the midrib and major veins.

Damage: New growth is frequently attacked prior to opening, and leaves may be killed if the infestation is dense. Lighter infestations produce irregular chlorotic spots that mark feeding sites and spoil the appearance of the leaves.

Life Cycle: New growth is frequently attacked prior to opening, and leaves may be killed if the infestation is dense. Lighter infestations produce irregular chlorotic spots that mark feeding sites and spoil the appearance of the leaves.

MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

Try to purchase plants from a supplier who does not have a scale infestation.

Pesticides: Try to purchase plants from a supplier who does not have a scale infestation.