Try for Free
tab list
Picture Insect
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Home Application Download FAQ
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Icon about
About
Icon about
General Info
Icon about
Search Tips
Icon about
Harmful or Not
Icon about
Harmful Effects
Icon about
Common FAQs
Icon about
Similar Insects
Icon about
Popular Insects
Cottony cushion scale

Cottony cushion scale

Icerya purchasi

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

The cottony cushion scale is a type of scale insect that sucks the sap out of the leaves of plants. They are especially damaging to citrus trees, one of their preferred host plants. Their life cycle is temperature-dependent, and each of their life stages takes longer in colder temperatures. When they feed on plants, they produce honeydew that sometimes causes a damaging mold to grow on the leaf.

General Info About Cottony cushion scale
Instantly identify insects with a snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and risk assessment, gaining quick insights on bite assessment, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safe interaction tips, etc.
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Attributes of Cottony cushion scale
Colors
Black
White
Orange
Habitat
woody plant
Defensive attack
Not reported
Venomous
Not reported
Non-poisonous
The Cottony cushion scale is non-toxic and generally doesn't pose a risk to human health. No need for excessive worry.
Borer
Not reported
Pollinator
Not reported
Pest-Eating Predatory
Not reported
Phytophagous
The Cottony cushion scale feeds on plants, usually without causing significant harm. However, it's important to take the situation seriously if their numbers begin to increase significantly.
Predatory
Not reported
Biting animal or pet
Not reported
Mouthparts Type
Piercing-sucking mouthparts
qrcode
Img download isoImg download android
Rectangle
Species Status of Cottony cushion scale
It is now found worldwide where citrus crops are grown. The cottony cushion scale originates from Australia.
Rectangle
Distribution Area of Cottony cushion scale
Australia
Rectangle
Adult Size of Cottony cushion scale
4 - 5 mm
Rectangle
Predators of Cottony cushion scale Larvae
Birds, ladybird beetles, green lacewings, spiders
Rectangle
Predators of Adult Cottony cushion scale
Birds, ladybird beetles, green lacewings, parasitic wasps
Rectangle
Interesting Facts About Cottony cushion scale
Cottony cushion scale is capable of reproducing asexually, with females laying eggs without the need for a mate.
Rectangle
Scientific Classification of Cottony cushion scale
Tips for Finding Cottony cushion scale
Your ultimate guide to understanding insects
Unlock the secrets of insect life cycles, habitats, behaviors and observation tips!!
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Youth Habitat of Cottony cushion scale
Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Forests and Woodlands, On and Within Other Organisms (Parasitic and Symbiotic Relationships)
Rectangle
Adult Habitat of Cottony cushion scale
Urban and Suburban Areas, Agricultural and Cultivated Areas, Forests and Woodlands, On and Within Other Organisms (Parasitic and Symbiotic Relationships)
Rectangle
When is the Best Time to Observe Cottony cushion scale
Early morning or late evening, as these times may provide the best opportunity to locate cottony cushion scale when they are less active.
Rectangle
What is the Best Weather to Observe Cottony cushion scale
Warm, dry weather conditions are typically more suitable for locating cottony cushion scale, as they prefer these conditions for feeding and activity.
Rectangle
How and Where Can You Find Cottony cushion scale at Different Life Stages
Egg Cottony cushion scale eggs are often found in clusters on the undersides of leaves or in protected areas near the food source. Look for cottony egg masses that are typically white to off-white in color.
Nymph Cottony cushion scale nymphs, known as crawlers, are very small but can be found exploring near their hatching site. Look for them by inspecting both sides of leaves and stems, especially where they meet. Crawlers may migrate to locations where the leaf joins the stem or along the veins of leaves.
Adult Cottony cushion scale adults are larger and easier to spot due to their distinctive waxy appearance. To find them, check on the twigs, branches, and trunks of host plants for waxy, cottony, or flaky substances that signal their presence.
Are Cottony cushion scale harmful?
Your Complete Pest Control Guide
Discover effective tips for preventing and eliminating pest infestations to keep bugs away from your home.
Download the App for Free
Harmful Effects of Cottony cushion scale
Reveal the harmful impacts of diverse insects
Explore the dangers of insects related to toxicity, lethality, human biting, human stinging, pathogenicity, hematophagy, allergenicity, parasitism, etc.
Download the App for Free
Rectangle
Garden and Landscape Pest

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.

Rectangle
Agricultural Pests

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 Effects of Cottony cushion scale

Common Questions People Also Ask
Get Quick Insect Answers with a Snap
Snap a photo for instant insect ID and answers on bites, toxicity, pest control, behavior, habitat, and safety tips!
Download the App for Free
Other Popular Insects
Western honey bee
Western honey bee

Western honey bee(Apis mellifera) is the most common species of honeybee in the world. Among the first domesticated insects, its cultural and economic impact on humanity has been vast and far-reaching, providing honey, wax and its services as a pollinator. Western honey bee faces challenges worldwide, such as colony collapse disorder, and populations are thought to be decreasing.

Read More
Arrow
Monarch butterfly
Monarch butterfly

The monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) is the most recognizable butterfly in North America. It is best known for its appearance, but should be better known for the fact that it has a 3000-mile migration that takes the butterfly 4 generations to complete. Their diet is also a natural deterrent for predators, as they eat milkweed, a poison that induces vomiting.

Read More
Arrow
Japanese rhinoceros beetle
Japanese rhinoceros beetle

The japanese rhinoceros beetle (Trypoxylus dichotomus) is a massive beetle about the size of the palm of a hand. It's distinguished by its long Y-shaped horn, which it uses to fight other males with. It's a nocturnal bug that feeds on sap and sweet fruits. This species is sometimes kept as a pet due to its unique appearance and simple care requirements.

Read More
Arrow
Silkworm
Silkworm

The silken threads produced by silkworm during its larval stage have been highly coveted for millennia, manifesting as a luxurious fabric in human society. Remarkably, this creature has a singular diet, feeding exclusively on the leaves of its primary host plant from which it extracts the necessary nutrients to facilitate its transition into a non-feeding, winged adult.

Read More
Arrow
Menelaus blue morpho
Menelaus blue morpho

Menelaus blue morpho (Morpho menelaus) is a gorgeous butterfly with large, royal blue wings. Linnaeus named the genus Morpho the Aphrodite-Ancient Greek goddess of love and beauty for its extreme beauty. It is native to tropical rainforests. Though many butterfly gardens now cultivate them in captivity, there are still many people who never get a chance to see them.

Read More
Arrow
Atlas moth
Atlas moth

While the atlas moth (Attacus atlas) can't tell you where to find your country on the map, it does earn its name through other means. It is one of the largest moths in the world, with a wingspan that is far larger than its body, creating an abnormal comparison. In India, their silk is gathered in a non-commercial capacity and is considered to be more durable than the domestic silkworm.

Read More
Arrow
Flying peacock spider
Flying peacock spider

Both sexes reach about 5 mm in body length. Females and immatures of both sexes are brown but have color patterns by which they can be distinguished from related species. Also, the males dance to attract females.

Read More
Arrow
Multicolored asian ladybeetle
Multicolored asian ladybeetle

Often confused for the ladybug, multicolored asian ladybeetle (Harmonia axyridis) is a separate species that, unlike the ladybug, is a household pest. It is considered particularly annoying for its habit of returning to places from which it is removed. One of the most variable species in the world, there are many different colors and patterns multicolored asian ladybeetle may display, making identification potentially difficult.

Read More
Arrow