Pink wax scale

Ceroplastes rubens

Overview:

Ceroplastes rubens, commonly known as the Red Wax Scale, is a scale insect belonging to the family Coccidae. Scale insects are known for their protective waxy covering, which can resemble scales or shells. The Red Wax Scale is a notable pest in agriculture, affecting various host plants, including ornamental and fruit-bearing trees.

Detailed Appearance:

  • Adult Female:

    • The adult female has a circular, convex, and red to dark red body covered with a wax secretion.
    • The wax covering gives it a protective scale-like appearance.
    • Females typically measure a few millimeters in diameter.

  • Male:

    • Adult males are smaller and have a more elongated body.
    • Males develop wings, allowing them to fly in search of females for mating.

Life Cycle:

  • The life cycle includes egg, nymph, and adult stages.
  • Eggs are laid beneath the female's wax covering.
  • Nymphs emerge from eggs and go through several molts.
  • Adult females continue to produce the waxy covering, and adult males emerge for mating.

Identification of Crop Infestation:

  • Presence of circular, red to dark red scales on the surfaces of host plants.
  • Scales adhere tightly to plant tissues and can be challenging to remove.
  • Feeding by Red Wax Scales can lead to yellowing, wilting, and stunted growth of host plants.

Management Strategies:

  • Horticultural Oils:

    • Use horticultural oils to smother and control scale insects.
    • Apply oils according to product instructions.

  • Insecticidal Soaps:

    • Insecticidal soaps can be effective against Red Wax Scales.
    • These products have minimal impact on beneficial insects.

  • Natural Predators:

    • Encourage natural enemies such as ladybugs, lacewings, and predatory beetles.
    • Parasitoid wasps may also play a role in controlling scale populations.

  • Pruning:

    • Prune and remove heavily infested plant parts to reduce scale numbers.
    • Dispose of pruned material properly to prevent further infestation.

  • Biological Controls:

    • Introduce or conserve natural enemies that specifically target scale insects.
    • Predatory beetles and parasitic wasps can be effective in controlling infestations.

  • Systemic Insecticides:

    • Systemic insecticides, applied to the soil or as a trunk injection, can be absorbed by the plant and provide long-term control.

It's important to note that scale insects, including the Red Wax Scale, can be challenging to manage due to their protective waxy covering. A combination of cultural practices, biological controls, and targeted insecticide applications is often necessary for effective management. Regular monitoring and early intervention are key components of a successful pest management strategy.