Eriococcidae
Eriococcidae, commonly known as felt scales, are a family of scale insects that pose a significant threat to various plant species. These insects are characterized by their sedentary lifestyle and the production of a white, felt-like waxy secretion that covers their bodies, providing protection against environmental factors and predators.
What the section contains
Acanthococcus
Acanthococcus
Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae
Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae
Acanthococcus perplexus
Acanthococcus perplexus
Acanthococcus tokaedae
Acanthococcus tokaedae
Araucaria scale
Uhleria araucariae
Asiacornococcus
Asiacornococcus
Asiacornococcus kaki
Asiacornococcus kaki
Azalea bark scale
Acanthococcus azaleae
Beech scale
Cryptococcus fagisuga
Boxwood scale
Eriococcus buxi
Cactus mealybug
Acanthococcus coccineus
Cactus mealybug
Eriococcus cactearum
Cryptococcus (felt scale)
Cryptococcus
Elm scale
Gossyparia
Eriococcus
Eriococcus
Eucalyptus eriococcid
Eriococcus coriaceus
European elm scale
Gossyparia spuria
Heather scale
Acanthococcus devoniensis
Linden scale
Acanthococcus insignis
Macadamia felted coccid
Eriococcus ironsidei
Manuka blight
Acanthococcus orariensis
Maple felt scale
Acanthococcus acericola
Pohutukawa mealybug
Acanthococcus pohutukawa
Uhleria
Uhleria
Williams eriococcid
Eriococcus williamsi
Willow scale
Gossyparia salicicola
Willow scale
Acanthococcus salicis
Eriococcidae
These pests infest a wide range of host plants, including hardwood trees, ornamental shrubs, and occasionally conifers. By inserting their piercing-sucking mouthparts into the plant tissue, they extract essential sap, which deprives the plant of nutrients and can lead to severe physiological stress if the infestation is heavy.
The life cycle of Eriococcidae typically spans one year, though it can vary based on local climatic conditions. Females lay eggs inside their protective felt sacs, and upon hatching, the active crawlers emerge to find suitable feeding sites. These crawlers are the most mobile stage and are easily dispersed by wind or birds, facilitating the spread of the population.
Damage caused by felt scales is multifaceted. In addition to direct sap loss, the constant extraction of nutrients leads to yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and dieback of twigs and branches. Furthermore, the excretion of honeydew promotes the growth of sooty mold, which coats the foliage and inhibits photosynthesis, further weakening the plant's overall health.
Effective management of Eriococcidae requires a proactive approach. Chemical control is most successful during the crawler stage when insects are not yet protected by dense waxy coverings. Systemic insecticides are highly recommended for internal control, while horticultural oils applied in early spring can effectively smother overwintering populations before the growing season begins.