The adult female is usually about 2 mm long and has a distinctive gray-white, felt-like covering. It's easy to spot. The most effective of these seem to be twice-stabbed lady beetles, such as Chilocorus stigma and Chilocorus cacti (Cai et al. 2014). Crepe Myrtle Bark Scale. 2018. Studies show that some common pesticides (e.g., pyrethroids) cause scale populations to increase. Available online: https://www.agcensus.usda.gov/Publications/ 2012/Online_Resources/Census_of_Horticulture_Specialties/ (5 May 2018). It is unknown how the scale life cycle might adapt in Florida, and more research on the life cycle is in progress to see if there is a predictable pattern. The crapemyrtle bark scale, Acanthococcus (=Eriococcus) lagerstromiae(Kuwana), was first confirmed in the USA in 2004 in the landscape near Dallas (TX), although it was likely introduced earlier. According to Texas AgriLife Extension, this harmful pest is newly introduced from the Far East. 2014, Layton 2015). He was born March 3, 1979, at Ada, Oklahoma to David⦠WILLIAMS, Leota Feb 10, 1938 - Dec 17, 2020 Photograph by Chris Evans, University of Illinois, Bugwood.org. Some nymphs continue through incomplete metamorphosis (do not pupate) to become immobile adult females. Note that a soap solution for this purpose should not be sprayed on other parts of the plant for pest control purposes, as only insecticidal soap products are designed and labeled for foliage treatments. Cultural control: Some observations suggest that crapemyrtle bark scale infestations may be correlated to shade levels, adding credence to the recommendation that crapemyrtles should be planted in full-sun locations (Cai et al. Since its introduction, it has spread to Louisiana, Florida, Oklahoma, California, and Arkansas. Robbins J, Hopkins J, Merchant M, Gu M. 2014. Because crapemyrtle is one of the only summer-blooming trees in the landscape, reduction in flower quality and longevity due to heavy infestations is also concerning (Cai et al. Therefore, if new populations of crapemyrtle bark scale were discovered in Florida, they should be eradicated quickly. Photograph by Michael Merchant, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Bugwood.org. Photograph by Helene Doughty, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Bugwood.org, #5552233. So far, no cultivars of crapemyrtle are known to have high levels of resistance to the scale. Photograph by United States National Collection of Scale Insects Photographs, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Bugwood.org. 2014, Robbins et al. 2014, Layton 2015). This scale lives and thrives on crape myrtle, suggesting a different identity for it. Update on crapymyrtle bark scale. Proceedings of the Southern Nursery Association Research Conference. Black sooty mold fungi then grow on the honeydew and can result in blackened shrubs, lawn, mulch, concrete, and the crapemyrtle tree itself. In the future, plant selection may play an important role in management. In addition, biological control will not eradicate an invasive population. At that time, early detection and treatment will be critical to minimize further spread within the state. Imports of crapemyrtle to these areas should be inspected carefully. Madden passed away Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2020, at an Oklahoma City hospital. Photographs by Gary Knox and Ed Gilman, University of Florida. Chen Y, Merchant M, Vafaie E, Gu M, Robbins J. The crapemyrtle bark scale, Acanthococcus (=Eriococcus) lagerstroemiae (Kuwana), is an invasive felt scale in the family Eriococcidae (or Acanthococcidae, as the taxonomy of this family is still being debated). Native to Asia, the crape scale bark scale first was reported in the United States during 2004 on crape myrtles in a landscape plant nursery in Richardson, Texas (Dallas County). It is widely distributed through most of North America (Merchant et al. To keep a crape myrtle at a manageable height, prune moderately by removing all twiggy growth back to main branch from which it emerged. This honeydew, in t⦠The azalea bark scale is in the same genus (Acanthococcus) as crapemyrtle bark scale and appears virtually identical. endstream
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Crapemyrtle bark scale, Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae (Kuwana), bleeds pink when damaged. Nymphs produce copious amounts of honeydew, a sugary, sticky excrement, which accumulates on any surfaces beneath where the insects feed. Please refer to the crapemyrtle bark scale EDIS publication (UF/IFAS EDIS) for current management recommendation in Florida, or consult your local UF/IFAS Extension Service office. Bark Scale along the branch of a Crape Myrtle. In the United States, crapemyrtle bark scale has only been found feeding on crapemyrtles, (Myrtales: Lythraceae: Lagerstroemia spp.) 2014). The insect was first noted in McKinney, Texas (self-designated as Americaâs âcrapemyrtle cityâ), in 2005 and had spread throughout most of the Dallas-Fort Worth area by ⦠They actively search for adult females. For example, it does not feed on crapemyrtle and is primarily a pest on azaleas (Rhododendron species). Crapemyrtles of Florida (Lagerstroemia indica and hybrids). 2014). Figure 5. Imports of crapemyrtle to ⦠Local dispersal is likely a combination of the tiny nymphs walking, by wind blowing crawlers to new plants, by human activities, and by bird and mammal movement between trees (Merchant et al. Figure 11. 2015). Merchant ME, Gu M, Robbins J, Vafaie E, Barr N, Tripodi AD, Szalanski AL. 18, No. Counties with verified reports of crapemyrtle bark scale, Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae (Kuwana), as of May, 2018. Photograph by Gary Brooks, Bayer Crop Science, Bugwood.org. Since 2013, in the city of Germantown, there has been a suspicious decrease in the health and appearance of one of the Southâs ubiquitous flowering tree species, the crepe myrtle. 2016). The adult female secretes waxy threads that form a white, felt-like covering around her body and she can lay approximately 100-300 pink eggs underneath this protective covering. It is unknown how the scale life cycle might adapt in Florida, and more research on the life cycle is in progress to see if there is a predictable pattern. The crape myrtle bark scale, Eriococcus lagerstroemiae Kuwana, is a newly introduced insect pest of crape myrtle, Lagerstroemia spp. Any crapemyrtle covered in sooty mold should be inspected to see if the cause is bark scale or another insect that also produces honeydew and sooty mold, such as crapemyrtle aphid (Tinocallis kahawaluokalani). Any sharp point can be used to break open the white felt-like covering to see if a female scale is moist and alive, or has clusters of pink eggs present (Layton 2015, Robbins et al. 237 0 obj
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<. Photograph by Jim Robbins, University of Arkansas CES, Bugwood.org. Vol. Based on regional climates in the U.S., scientists have generated predictions of where this insect may spread. However, we hold to crapemyrtle bark scale because it is the recognized common name approved by the Entomological Society of America. One of the first signs of this insect is black sooty mold on the bark and leaves. Vafaie EK., and Knight CM. Up close, CMBS is whit⦠Prevention of spread: Human-assisted, long distance movement of plant material via the nursery and landscape trades is most likely how this species becomes established in new regions. On old growth, the scale insects may be aggregated around pruning wounds or branch crotches, whereas distribution is typically more uniform on new growth where the small, pink juveniles (called crawlers) have recently spread and established. CMBS might be able to overwinter in the adult female and egg life stages, and crawlers and later stage nymphs have been observed overwintering under the loose bark and in cracks and crevices of crapemyrtles in our area. It threatens to turn what has his-torically been a beautiful, low-maintenance landscape tree into an unsightly, high-maintenance landscape tree. CMBS proliferates on the crape myrtle plant, producing copious amounts of honeydew, which turns the leaves, branches and trunk black with sooty mold. Crape Myrtle Bark Scale Identification and Control Crape myrtle bark scale (CMBS) is a serious new threat to southern crape myrtles. Crapemyrtle bark scale, Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae (Kuwana), close-up of infestation. They are top-sellers in the nursery trade, with the annual wholesale value estimated to be $66 million in 2014 (2014 Census of Horticultural Specialties). It is one of the only scales known to infest crape myrtles. Crapemyrtle Bark Scale Resource Website (StopCMBS)
Infested trees may force the owner or landscape manager to choose between having an eyesore in their landscape, paying for relatively costly annual scale treatments, or replacing the tree altogether (Layton 2015). If an infested plant is found in a new area, it may be appropriate to destroy the plant rather than attempt treatment. Most of the scales are likely to be on the upper branches and on small twigs. Comparison of normal blossoms (top row) and damaged blossoms (bottom row) caused by crapemyrtle bark scale, Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae (Kuwana). 2016). As mentioned earlier, the best way to maintain a Crapemyrtles size is to plant a known cultivar that will mature at the desired height. Figure 3. Borden MA, Dale AG. 2014, Gu et al. Some ant species feed on the sugary honeydew produced by scale insects, and ants sometimes play a role in starting new infestations by moving scales to other plants and by reducing biological control by protecting scale insects from predators (Cai et al 2015). First detected in northern Texas in 2004, CMBS is spreading throughout much of the southern U.S. 2018. Observations of rampant crapemyrtle bark scale infestations in Shanghai, China, further suggest that USDA Zone 9 provides suitable temperatures (Dr. Gary Knox, personal correspondence). Crapemyrtle bark scale, Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae (Kuwana), infestation with sooty mold covering the bark. Based on observations from Dallas, Texas, an established infestation may be able to spread locally at approximately five to 10 miles per year. Crape myrtle bark scale (CMBS) is not deadly to most crape myrtles, but can affect the quality of the plants and greatly the health and longevity in the landscape, according to Haase. As with most insects, there are several life stages and the appearance of CMBS changes with the stages. 1140: 415Â-418. }�L@�%�]��H�?��G� �l
Database. Based on urban tree inventories of several major cities in the southeastern U.S., crapemyrtle are among the most common landscape trees planted in this region. If you plan to use insecticides, be sure to check with your local county Extension faculty member regarding any restrictions on use of these pesticides as some may require an applicator’s license! Figure 12. Always inspect crapemyrtles carefully before purchasing or planting, especially if they originated from parts of the southeast where crapemyrtle bark scale is already established. 2017. Figure 7. Bark scale originates from China and was brought to the U.S. in 2010. Crapemyrtle bark scale, Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae (Kuwana), infesting young crapemyrtle branches. The current chemical recommendations may be extremely toxic to bees and other pollinators that feed on crapemyrtle pollen. 2015, Wang et al. Eriococcus lagerstroemiae, also known as crape myrtle scale, is a small insect that infests crape myrtle trees.It was first seen in Dallas, Texas in 2004 and was thought to be brought in through illegal trade. Crapemyrtle bark scale. Oklahoma, T ennessee, T exas and Virginia (Figure 2). 2018, Wang et al. UF/IFAS Extension: Crapemyrtle Publications, https://www.eddmaps.org/cmbs/distribution.cfm, Crapemyrtle Bark Scale Resource Website (StopCMBS), Crapemyrtle Bark Scale Early Detection and Distribution Mapping System (EDDMapS), Department of Plant Industry (DPI) Sample Submission, Managing Scale Insects on Ornamental Plants, UF/IFAS Extension: Crapemyrtle Publications, Crape myrtle bark scale management updates, Crape myrtle bark scale: A new exotic pest, EHT-049, Crape Myrtle Bark Scale Identification and Control, Publication 2938, Crapemyrtle Bark Scale: A New Insect Pest, FSA7086. 2016). Long, cool autumns yield the best leaf display; sudden frosts following warm, humid fall weather often freeze leaves while theyre still green, ruining the show. Best results have been achieved with the use of systemic insecticides applied as a drench or soil injection to the root zone in early summer, or just before peak crawler activity (Gu et al. Plant removal and chemical control are the most effective ways to do this. Map: https://www.eddmaps.org/cmbs/distribution.cfm. The primary host in North America, crapemyrtle, Lagerstroemia spp., are deciduous flowering trees popular in ornamental landscapes. Branch dieback and stunted growth has been occasionally observed, but is probably not a primary concern. Crape Myrtle Bark Scale Identification and Control, Publication 2938. This is likely because these pesticides are not very effective against the scale insect, but are highly toxic to lady beetle predators. Many people who call us describe their trees as covered in white dots, or white cotton like bumps. ScaleNet: A literature-based model of scale insect biology and systematics. Since the initial sighting in 2004, the crape myrtle bark scale (CMBS) insect has been spreading at an alarming rate across the Southeast. When crushed, these scales exude pink âbloodâ-like liquid. Photograph by Erfan Vafaie, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension. Prune For A Shrub Look That pest is called crape myrtle bark scale, or CMBS for short. Look-alike species. Nymphs that hatch from the eggs (a) are highly mobile and are called “crawlers” (b). Crape myrtle bark scale is a relatively recent pest that is affecting crepe myrtle trees in a growing area across the southeastern United States. Figure 4. 254 0 obj
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For small plants, inspect all woody parts before purchasing or placing in the landscape. As of spring 2018, crapemyrtle bark scale was reported in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and Washington. Th⦠After the first molt, nymphs lose their legs and become sessile, settling in-place to feed and grow (Wang et al. A&M has identified this pest as Eriococcus lagerstroemiae, and suspects that it was brought into the U.S. on a crape myrtle plant. In one year, there could be at least two generations of CMBS. Crape myrtle scale is the only scale insect to infest crape myrtles. 2017. Encrustations of scale insects remain on a plant long after the insect has died, so it can be helpful to scrape some scales to determine if they are still living. This group is in the superfamily Coccoidea (scale insects) and the order Hemiptera (true bugs). Thousands of scales encrusting the bark will literally turn it white. Heavy infestations of crapemyrtle bark scale produce sufficient honeydew to coat leaves, stems and bark of the tree. The crape myrtle bark scale is easy to identify because it is the only scale insect to infest crape myrtles. 2016.
Much research is needed before cultivar or hybrid selection can be incorporated into management plans. 2014). Department of Plant Industry (DPI) Sample Submission
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29 Based on regional climates in the U.S., scientists have generated predictions of where this insect may spread. 62: In press. Scientists were unsure if a nearly identical species, the azalea bark scale, had begun attacking a new host plant or if this was a newly introduced species. Callicarpa americana, however, is native to the United States. Plant removal and chemical control are the most effective ways to do this. Some nymphs form a white sac and develop into prepupa (c) and then to pupa further inside, before becoming an alate male (e). The scale insect is widely distributed in Asia, especially China, which is thought to be its native range. 2016). A mass of pink eggs may be seen if the white covering is pulled away (Robbins et al. In its na-tive range, this scale, tentatively identified as crape myrtle bark scale (CMBS, Eriococ- García Morales M, Denno BD, Miller DR, Miller GL, Ben-Dov Y, Hardy NB. Note: There are a several common names for Lagerstroemia species (e.g., crapemyrtle, crape myrtle, crepe myrtle) and these sometimes carry over to the scale insect’s common name, such as crape myrtle bark scale. This will give the plant a more uniform appearance. 4 through 6). Under - magnif ication, adult females are pink and measure about 2 2014). These aphids feed on the leaves and tender green shoots, but not woody parts of the plant, whereas crapemyrtle bark scales are very rarely seen on the leaves (Layton 2015). 2016). The males are pink, with two long white filaments at the tip of the abdomen, and have no mouthparts. 2014). Each female lays about 60 to 250 eggs, which may over-winter within their ovisacs, and then hatch during mid- to late April to May. Azalea bark scale, Acanthococcus (=Eriococcus) azalea (Comstock), is another felt scale in North America, but does not feed on crapemyrtle. In Louisiana, C. cacti have been found feeding on the crape myrtle bark scale (Wang et al., 2015). Bark and Systemic Insecticidal Control of. However, this scale has a different host range that is not known to overlap with that of crapemyrtle bark scale. When scouting large trees, it is important to look not just at the trunk and lower branches. If the plant is to be removed and transported for any reason, including destruction, it should be carefully bagged to avoid scales being blown off the plant and into new landscapes during transportation (Layton 2015). Mississippi State University Extension. Applications should not be made if the tree is in flower, and all pollinator protection requirements on the label must be followed to minimize risk. 3. 7: 33-34. doi. If ants are observed moving up and down crapemyrtle trees it may be helpful to identify any insects they are visiting. 2014. 2014, Layton 2015). Using this information, north Florida is at a moderate to high risk of becoming infested (Wang et al. I should note that crape myrtle aphids also produce honeydew so this alone is not an indication that the scale is present. Using this information, north Florida is at a moderate to high risk of becoming infested (Wang et al. h�bbd```b``� �3@$�V�6�.�l`�1X�C0�"Y��li0�&����`� �QDrE�٦ rF�d,� b�N��M�L�ρՈ�? Contact Us Oklahoma County OSU Extension Center 2500 NE 63rd St. Oklahoma City, OK 73111 Figure 6. Figure 10. %%EOF
Figure 9. Integrated pest management (IPM) plans to control crapemyrtle bark scale are still being developed, but may incorporate the use of certain reduced-risk insecticides that have been successfully used to control other scales, resistant crapemyrtle cultivars, and biological control. Cai X, Dou H, Gu M, Merchant M, Vafaie E. 2015. Crepe myrtle scale arrived here a few years ago as an accidental import from Asia. Although this alone will not control an infestation, it can physically remove many female scales and egg masses, making the chemical treatment more effective (Gu et al. Observations from McKinney, Texas suggest that Lagerstroemia fauriei and Lagerstroemia indica x Lagerstroemia fauriei hybrids also suffer high infestations (Gu et al. This new host record is concerning, because American beautyberry is widely distributed in natural areas, roadsides, and urban sites in the southeast. Entomology and Plant Pathology, Oklahoma State University 127 Noble Research Center, Stillwater, OK 74078 405.744.5527. American beautyberry (Callicarpa americana). Heavy infestations are easily seen due to abundant black sooty mold and patches of the white or gray scales on the trunk, branches, and twigs of crapemyrtle. During the first stage (also called crawlers) the nymphs are mobile and can spread to new woody growth of the plant. 2016) However, despite the predation by these and other lady beetle species, their control often comes too late in the season to prevent damage from the scales and sooty mold (Gu et al. Irish Green found and reported the first case of Crape Myrtle Bark Scale in Cleveland County August 2016 (confirmed by Plant Disease and Insect Diagnostic Laboratory at Oklahoma State University). Crape myrtle bark scale (CMBS) insect has been found in Fauquier. 2016. Your local UF/IFAS county Extension faculty member and Dr. Gary Knox should be notified, confirmed sightings can also be reported here: https://www.eddmaps.org/cmbs/. Crapemyrtle bark scale is an exotic insect pest from Asia. Plant Disease or Insect Diagnostic Request Form; Equal Employment Opportunity; Crape Myrtle Crapemyrtle bark scale, Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae (Kuwana), adult females and opened egg sacs. Buy from reputable nurseries who are knowledgeable about crapemyrtle bark scale and inspect outgoing plants (Robbins et al. The primary damage from crapemyrtle bark scale is aesthetic rather than being severely harmful to the tree. Proceedings of the 2015 Annual Meeting of the International Plant Propagators’ Society. doi: 10.1093/database/bav118. the third generation. L. (Myrtales: Lythraceae) (Figure 1). The scale is a sucking insect that feeds on the phloem (sap) of plants. The females (d-f) do not enter the pre-pupal stage, and start producing eggs following mating with the male. Crapemyrtle is considered a low-maintenance tree and is enormously popular, especially in the urban landscape. Crapemyrtle bark scale was first observed feeding on crapemyrtle in Richardson, Texas, a Dallas suburb in 2004. A relatively-new (first reports in 2004 in Richardson) insect pest, Eriococcus lagerostroemia, is attacking crape myrtles in North Texas.Crape Myrtle Bark Scale was very likely introduced from Asia and has been spreading around the Dallas-Ft. Worth area and north into Oklahoma. Most new infestations have been found in Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. Adult females are felt-like white or gray encrustations that stick to crape myrtle parts ranging from small twigs to large trunks. 0
Figure 8. 2014). This species was formerly known as Eriococcus lagerstroemiae Kuwana, so this name may be found in many publications. The nymphs, are also pink and develop through three stages, turning a darker pink, grey, or brown color as they mature (Gu et al. 2015, Wang et al. Most crepe myrtles in gardens are selections of L. indica or hybrids of that specie⦠In August, the first documented case in South Carolina was found by skilled Historic Columbia horticulturist Keith Mearns. 2014, Wang et al. 2015. The eggs remain protected within the white colored ovisacs until the crawlers (immatures) hatch and disperse onto the branches. Dr. Mengmeng Gu at Texas A&M is currently conducting research on additional U.S. host plants. Other nymphs form a white, felt-like sac and develop into prepupa and then to pupa further inside, eventually pupating to emerge as tiny, winged adult males (alates). Additional research on crape myrtle phenology, which is the timing of bud break, first bloom and full bloom, if proven to be correlated to scale activities, will also help time the application on crawlers. This nonnative scale was first detected in the United States in If left to wait for biological control, the infestation may be allowed time to spread further. Resources - Layton, B. Managing Scale Insects on Ornamental Plants
Photograph by Jim Robbins, University of Arkansas, CES, Bugwood.org. The crepe myrtles are among the most satisfactory of plants for the South: showy summer flowers, attractive bark, and (in many cases) brilliant fall color make them year-round garden performers. We addressed the crape myrtle bark scale in this column last year, but some of the recommendations made by OSU regarding control have changed. Monitor for ants moving up and down crapemyrtle trees. However, the appearance of white scale bodies on bark and the pink liquid associated with crushed scales are diagnostic characteristics of CMBS. One adult, several pre-pupae, and many pupae of twice-stabbed lady beetle after feeding on an infestation of Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae (Kuwana). Life cycle by April Martin and Xavier Martini, University of Florida. In the southeast U.S., there seems to be two to four overlapping generation cycles per year. Because crapemyrtle bark scale is not yet established in Florida, any discovered populations should be eradicated as soon as possible. Look for injuries or pruning wounds on the trunk and branches, as scale infestations often start at these sites. As of early 2018, crapemyrtle bark scale has not yet been reported in Florida, however, it has been found in Alabama and Georgia and is expected eventually to spread into Florida. On horizontal branches, they tend to aggregate on the underside, away from sun exposure (Gu et al. Gu M, Merchant M, Robbins J, Hopkins J. Lady beetles always lay eggs in the presence of prey, therefore bark scale has to be there first before attracting lady beetles. h�b```f``Z���� l� ̀ �,@Q���=��|8�����2�����^dz��I�No�CI�XGG30x������6��4��# -�`3L0F1�7� Figure 13. BILL SEVIER/For the Tulsa World. Since then, it spread rapidly. Mechanical control: Prior to treatment of heavily infested plants, it can be helpful to wash the reachable branches with a mild soap solution and a soft scrubbing brush. Figure 1. Biological control: Several predators serve as biological control for crapemyrtle bark scale in the southeast. 2015). Continued observation of crapemyrtle bark scale will help us determine if it is a threat to other species in North America (Knox et al. By 2014, DNA and morphological tests helped scientists identify this species as Acanthococcus (=Eriococcus) lagerstroemiae, a felt scale from Asia that is known to feed on crapemyrtle species. Any stage of the scale can overwinter, especially the nymphs, which can be found nearly year-round. Although crapemyrtle bark scale has not yet been found on other hosts in North America, it has been reported feeding on a number of other species in Asia and Hungary (See http://scalenet.info for a full list). Leaves coated in sooty mold photosynthesize less, which may translate to reduced tree growth (Layton 2015, Wang et al. It was found in Oklahoma County in 2015. Life cycle of the crapemyrtle bark scale. initial diagnosis as crape myrtle aphid, another sucking pest of crape myrtles that is prevalent in some areas of the southern U.S. Most new infestations have been found in Texas, Oklahoma, and Arkansas. 2016). Some cultivars, however, that have been observed with high infestations include ‘Tuscarora’, ‘Lipan’, ‘Pink Ruffles’, ‘Tuskegee’, ‘Acoma’, ‘Velma’, ‘Choctaw’ and ‘New Orleans’ (Cai et al. Several species of lady beetle larvae feeding on an infestation of Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae (Kuwana). Crape myrtle bark scale is relatively easy to identify. Additional Resources
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The IAS crape myrtle bark scale was first detected in Texas in 2004 and is now found in Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Georgia, North Carolina, and Virginia. If you find crapemyrtle bark scale in an area not yet reported, specimens must first be confirmed by the FDACS Department of Plant Industry (DPI) so that they can publish a first report and take any necessary regulatory actions. Felt scales, also called bark scales, are not considered either armored scales or soft scales. On new growth and in heavy infestations, the scales may be distributed more uniformly on the branch (Figs. As it feeds, it excretes a sugary solution known as âhoneydewâ (similar to aphids, whiteflies, and other sucking insects). Identification of crapemyrtle bark scale is relatively simple because this is the first and only bark scale known to feed on crapemyrtle in the United States. Only the nymphs and adult females feed and secrete honeydew, which can lead to sooty mold growth (Wang et al. Lagerstroemia species are native to the same region in Asia as crapemyrtle bark scale and is a preferred host. 2014). Activity resumes early in the spring, and the number of crawlers seems to peak around the beginning of summer, and again in late summer (Robbins et al. and also on American beautyberry (Lamiales: Verbenaceae: Callicarpa americana L.). Crapemyrtle bark scale: A new threat for crapemyrtles, a popular landscape plant in the U.S. Insects. A few of these are economically or ecologically important and include pomegranate (Punica granatum), Korean boxwood (Buxus microphylla), Chinese hackberry (Celtis sinensis), Japanese persimmon (Diospyros kaki), border privet (Ligustrum obtusifolium), and brambles (Rubus sp.). , any discovered populations should be eradicated as soon as possible 74078 405.744.5527 mold the... ÂHoneydewâ ( similar to aphids, whiteflies, and India ( Cai et.! Relatively easy to identify, so this name may be allowed time to spread further may be to! 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These areas should be eradicated as soon as possible, especially in the presence of prey therefore! The first signs of this insect is widely distributed in Asia, especially,! Protected within the white colored ovisacs until the crawlers ( immatures ) hatch and disperse onto the.! Infestations have been found feeding on the bark to Texas AgriLife Extension Ben-Dov. Beetle predators scale, Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae ( Kuwana ) are white to gray and to... Or soft scales been a beautiful, low-maintenance landscape tree discovered populations be! Thought to be twice-stabbed lady beetle after feeding on crapemyrtles, a pink blood-like fluid released... Usually about 2 crape myrtle scale arrived here a few years ago as an accidental import from Asia recent that... Recognized common name approved by the Entomological Society of America clear what role this plant may an... Scale bodies on bark and the pink liquid associated with crushed scales diagnostic! 2018 ) scale were discovered in Florida, any discovered populations should be inspected carefully Eriococcus Kuwana! Early detection and treatment will be critical to minimize further spread within the white covering is away. Of Florida United States virtually identical on regional climates in the United States Collection! For example, it may be found in Texas, Oklahoma, T ennessee T. Z, Chen Y, Robbins J, Vafaie E, Gu M, Denno,... Xavier Martini, University of Florida insect that feeds on the underside, away from sun exposure Gu. ( immatures ) hatch and disperse onto the branches Robbins et al Myrtales Lythraceae... Not very effective against the scale can overwinter, especially China, Japan, Korea, and India ( et... Bayer Crop Science, Bugwood.org likely to be twice-stabbed lady beetle after feeding on an of! Insect, but are highly mobile and can spread to new woody growth of the scale ) crapemyrtle! Has been occasionally observed, but live crapemyrtle bark scale along the branch of a crape myrtle Lagerstroemia. Species of lady beetle larvae feeding on the branch ( Figs, with two long white at... Damage from crapemyrtle bark scale were discovered in Florida, any discovered populations be! Observed moving up and down crapemyrtle trees it may be distributed more uniformly the... It is widely distributed through most of the scales are diagnostic characteristics of CMBS pest. Scalenet: a new area, it is the only scales known to overlap with that of crapemyrtle scales. Most new infestations have been found in Texas, Oklahoma, T exas and Virginia ( Figure 2.. Is pulled away ( Robbins et al Lagerstroemia spp. to mate be on the upper branches on... Dou H, Gu M, Merchant M, Merchant M, J..., whiteflies, and Arkansas that hatch from the Far East to be its native range,! They die ( Figs scale produce sufficient honeydew to coat leaves, and... Nearly year-round insect found in Texas, Oklahoma, California, and many pupae twice-stabbed! Hybrids also suffer high infestations ( Gu et al the scales may be to! Michael Merchant, Texas, Oklahoma State University 127 Noble Research Center crape myrtle scale oklahoma Stillwater, OK 74078 405.744.5527 an! Parts ranging from small twigs to large trunks Robbins et al becoming infested ( Wang et al are called crawlers. Polytechnic Institute and State University 127 Noble Research Center, Stillwater, OK 74078.... Culprit is a sucking insect that feeds on the underside, away from sun exposure ( Gu al!, any discovered populations should be inspected carefully purchasing and moving new,. Are mobile and can spread to new woody growth of the abdomen, and India ( Cai et.! Arkansas, CES, Bugwood.org crape myrtle bark scale produce sufficient honeydew to coat leaves, stems bark! Of that specie⦠the third generation species was formerly known as Eriococcus Kuwana! Distributed more uniformly on the phloem ( sap ) of plants covering the of! In t⦠it was found in Oklahoma County in 2015 from sun exposure ( et... Infestation with sooty mold on the underside, away from sun exposure ( Gu al! This information, north Florida is at a moderate to high risk of becoming (. Myrtles in gardens are selections of L. indica or hybrids of that specie⦠the generation! Effective ways to do this branches away from a site for disposal of twice-stabbed lady after! Scale insect found in many publications ornamental landscapes of a trunk or branch on crapemyrtle in Richardson, Texas that! Verified reports of crapemyrtle bark scales exude pink âbloodâ-like liquid in China Japan. Very effective against the scale can overwinter, especially in the U.S. insects recognized common name approved by Entomological! The nymphs are mobile and are called “ crawlers ” ( b ), Y. Parts before purchasing or placing in the United States National Collection of scale insects Photographs, USDA Agricultural Research,., see Oklahoma example, it does not feed on crapemyrtle and is primarily a pest azaleas! Collection of scale insects Photographs, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Bugwood.org, # 5552233 in.. With two long white filaments at the tip of the 2015 Annual Meeting the... April Martin and Xavier Martini, University of Arkansas CES, Bugwood.org, # 5552233 e.g.... Measure about 2 mm in length the International plant Propagators ’ Society excrement, which can lead sooty. In a new threat for crapemyrtles, a Dallas suburb in 2004 ovisacs ( capsules!, no cultivars of crapemyrtle bark scale Identification and control, Publication 2938 L. ) Crop. Through most of the only scales known to infest crape myrtles, we hold crapemyrtle! Mckinney, Texas a & M AgriLife Extension Service, Bugwood.org it may distributed... Pesticides are not very effective against the scale insect, but it not! Scale can overwinter, especially China, which accumulates on any surfaces beneath the! See Oklahoma a growing area across the southeastern United States in Oklahoma County in 2015 following with...
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