Pulvinaria acericola

Distinguished from other Pulvinaria species by host association with maple (Acer) and specific morphological features of the adult female scale cover and body. The ovisac is elongate-oval and cottony white, attached to the underside of leaves. Adult females are sessile, oval, and brownish, concealed beneath the waxy cover. Specific identification requires examination of microscopic features including the arrangement of spiracular pores and other taxonomically significant characters.

Found on deciduous trees, particularly maple species (Acer). Occurs in urban, suburban, and natural woodland settings where host trees are present.

North America; documented from the United States and Canada.

Phloem sap of host plants, obtained through piercing-sucking stylets inserted into vascular tissue.

• Acer - primary hostmaple species

Adult females are sessile and remain fixed on leaves after settling. Males develop wings and are mobile, flying to locate females for mating. Produces copious honeydew during feeding.

Considered a minor pest of ornamental maples and shade trees. Heavy infestations can cause aesthetic damage through sooty mold growth on foliage and reduced plant vigor. Rarely causes severe economic damage.

• Pulvinaria flocciferaAlso produces conspicuous white cottony ovisacs and is found on woody ornamentals including hollies and camellias, but differs in host preference and specific morphological characters.
• Pulvinaria innumerabilisCottony maple scale, similar common name and maple host association; distinguished by differences in adult female morphology and ovisac structure.

• scale insect
• Coccidae
• soft scale
• maple pest
• ornamental pest
• North America

• BugGuide
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• Catalogue of Life
• Encyrtid Holdings | Entomology Research Museum
• Flocked hollies - Cottony camellia scale, Pulvinaria floccifera — Bug of the Week