Harmful Effects of Cottony cushion scale

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Icerya purchasi

A species of Icerya, Also known as Fluted scale, Australian mealybug

Cottony cushion scale infestations can cause mild to severe damage to plants by feeding on their fluids, leading to yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and potential fruit spoilage. Heavy infestations may significantly reduce yields, disrupt agricultural productivity, and cause economic impacts.

What Type of Pest Is Cottony cushion scale?

Garden and Landscape Pest

Agricultural Pests

Garden and Landscape Pest

Damage Stage

Adults, Nymphs

Host Plants

Citrus Tree, Ornamental, Rose, Palm

Host Plants Organs

Leaves, Stems, Fruits

Damage Ways

Sucking Plant Fluids

Damage Reason

Feeding

Damage Level

Mild to Severe

Both the nymph and adult stages of cottony cushion scale feed on plant fluids, commonly affecting citrus trees and ornamentals. Infestation can lead to leaf yellowing, dieback, and reduced plant vigor. Severe cases may result in significant ornamental damage and impact yield in fruit trees. This pest can also act as a vector for sooty mold, exacerbating its effects.

Agricultural Pests

Damage Stage

Adults, Nymphs

Host Plants

Citrus, beans, potatoes, lettuce, eggplant, asparagus

Host Plants Organs

Leaves, Stems, Fruits

Damage Ways

Sucking Plant Fluids, Spreading Plant Diseases

Damage Reason

Feeding

Damage Level

Mild to Severe

Adult and nymph stages of cottony cushion scale can cause mild to severe damage, feeding on plant fluids which weakens host plants, leading to yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, and fruit spoilage. Heavy infestations may result in significant yield loss. Their damage potentially disrupts agricultural productivity and food supply, causing economic impact on farmers.

More Insects that are Similar to Cottony cushion scale

Drosicha corpulenta

The adult female grows to a length of about 16 mm (0.6 in) and a width of about 7 mm (0.3 in). The antennae and legs are black while the body colour is brown. The insect is covered with a white, cottony waxy substance which is densest on the underside. The male is very different in appearance; he is much smaller, has a pair of long feathery antennae, two compound eyes, no mouth and a pair of functional wings.

Drosicha contrahens

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