Photographer:

Kansas Department of Agriculture

Adult(s)

Description:

The Fletcher scale is widely distributed in Kansas. It infests red cedar but is more often found on arborvitae and yews. They are light brown, globular shaped, and 1/4 inch (6 mm) long. They overwinter on the needles of the plant as very small, brown, immature scales. In the spring, they migrate to the stems and begin feeding. As they grow, they become hemispherical in shape and yellowish. Mature females are mahogany brown. Most eggs are laid by the time Spirea blooms in the spring. The eggs are under the shell of the female scale and are invulnerable to insecticide treatment. The eggs hatch in early summer and most crawlers are active by the time Hydrangea is in full to late bloom. This is the best time to apply chemical control measures. Heavy infestations result in the plants losing vigor. Fletcher scale produces large amounts of honeydew. Sooty mold growing on the honeydew causes the plant to look black and unsightly. The information for this submission into the image library was provided by the Kansas Department of Agriculture.  A more detailed report on this submission can be found in the KDA Field Manual: Insects in Kansas.  To obtain a copy of Publication #S131: Insects in Kansas contact K-State Research and Extension, Department of Communications distribution center at (785) 532-5830

Field