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Pulvinaria regalis

Horse-chestnut scale

Description

This scale is a typical urban pest. It was first detected in 1964 in Europe and has since expanded rapidly. Now is common also in Central Europe. In spring, each female deposits up to 2,000 eggs on the stem and large branches, coated with wax secretions. The female then dies and the larvae migrate into the crown and start sucking plant sap on the lower leaf surface. In fall they move to the twigs and overwinter. Next April they resume feeding and develop into adults. For fully grown trees the impact of an infestation is not severe, but it may add to the manifold stresses that urban trees are often subjected to. It occurs in parks, gardens and urban areas. The maples are one from the preferred hosts.

Symptom

Females are found on branches and trunks and often form large colonies.

Tree Species: Maple, Lime

Part of a plant- attacked: Tree trunk

Pest significance: Less harmful

Pest Category: Insects

Invasive Species: Yes

Present in EU: Yes