Toumeyella pini

(King, 1901)

Striped Pine Scale

Toumeyella pini, commonly known as the Striped Pine , is a soft scale insect native to North America. It is a significant pest of pine trees, particularly two- and three-needle pine . The species exhibits pronounced in both and feeding location: females are larger, highly convex, and develop on terminal twigs, while males are smaller, more elongate, and develop on needles. The species secretes copious honeydew, which attracts ants, , bees, and flies, and can lead to growth that inhibits . In southern Georgia, it completes three per year, with activity peaking in May, mid-July to early August, and late October to early November.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Toumeyella pini: //tuːˈmeɪɛlə ˈpaɪnaɪ//

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Identification

Look for highly convex, 6mm diameter on terminal twigs of pine trees. The striped pattern on the waxy covering distinguishes it from other pine scales. Presence of yellowjackets and other swarming on pine trees in autumn is often the first visible sign of , as these insects are attracted to honeydew. on needles and branches may also indicate scale presence. The co-occurs with smaller, silky white pine needle scales (Chionaspis spp., Diaspididae), which can be distinguished by their flatter, armored appearance and different family affiliation.

Appearance

females are highly convex, dome-shaped approximately 6 millimeters across, with a hard, waxy, shell-like surface. The "striped" appearance refers to color patterning on this protective covering. Males are significantly smaller and more elongate in shape than females. The first-instar nymphs () are tiny, mobile, and possess functional legs. After the initial , females lose their legs and become permanently , while males eventually develop wings.

Habitat

Found on ornamental and native pine trees, particularly in urban and suburban settings where conifers may be stressed by isolation, incompatible soils, or lack of symbiotic fungi. In natural settings, occurs in pine woodlands and forests. Females occupy terminal twigs; males occupy needles. Most abundant on Scotch Pine and Lodgepole Pine, though many two- and three-needle pine are susceptible.

Distribution

Native to the United States and Canada. Ranges widely east of the Rocky Mountains, generally more abundant in the northern tier of states. Recently reached problematic status along the Colorado Front Range. Southern (Georgia) support up to three per year.

Seasonality

(mobile first-instar nymphs) emerge in late May or early June in northern ranges, with peaks in May, mid-July to early August, and late October to early November in southern Georgia where three occur. females overwinter in . males mature in late summer, become winged, and fly to mate with immature females. Activity is most conspicuous in autumn when honeydew production peaks and attracts numerous and other insects.

Diet

Phloem-feeding on pine trees, primarily two- and three-needle (needles bundled in twos or threes). Specific documented include Pinus taeda (loblolly pine), Scotch Pine, and Lodgepole Pine.

Host Associations

  • Pinus taeda - Loblolly pine; documented in Georgia seed orchards
  • Pinus sylvestris - Scotch Pine; favored
  • Pinus contorta - Lodgepole Pine; favored
  • Coccophagus lycimnia - Chalcid (Aphelinidae); most common , attacks both male and female
  • Laetilia coccidivora - Pyralid caterpillar; frequent of female
  • Chrysopidae - larvae prey on stage
  • Coccinellidae - Lady beetle larvae prey on stage
  • Haemorhous mexicanus - House Finch; feeds on
  • Setophaga coronata - Yellow-rumped Warbler; feeds on

Life Cycle

with three per year in southern Georgia, fewer in northern ranges. First-instar nymphs () emerge from , are mobile for 1-2 days, then settle on new growth. Females settle on twigs, males on needles. After first , females become permanently and legless; males retain mobility and eventually develop wings. Males mature in late summer, fly to females, and mate. Mated immature females enter and overwinter. Average is 1,865 crawlers per female. Crawlers disperse via wind, insects, birds, mammals, humans, or equipment.

Behavior

Females are permanently after the first , remaining fixed to twigs for life. Males are unusual among scale insects in developing wings and flying to locate females. The secretes large quantities of honeydew as a waste product of phloem feeding. This honeydew serves as a resource for numerous other insects, particularly in autumn when floral nectar becomes scarce. actively seek new growth on trees and can disperse to new hosts via various .

Ecological Role

As a phloem feeder, the taps into plant and converts plant sap to honeydew, thereby making energy available to numerous other insects including ants, , bees, flies, and butterflies. Serves as for wasps (15% average rate) and prey for diverse (up to 50% rate). Associated with bark-infesting woolly aphids (Pineus spp.), which may increase tree susceptibility to attack. Heavy can reduce tree vigor and, through growth, inhibit .

Human Relevance

Considered a pest in forestry and horticulture. Heavy weaken ornamental and timber pines by diverting photosynthates and causing growth that further inhibits . Infestations are often first detected by swarming yellowjackets rather than direct observation of . Management options include pruning infested branches, crushing scales manually, or application for severe infestations. occurs naturally through and predatory insects.

Similar Taxa

More Details

Research significance

Clarke et al. (1989) provided the foundational study in Georgia loblolly pine seed orchards, documenting three per year, sex-specific feeding locations, and natural enemy impacts.

Recent range expansion

Has only recently become problematic along the Colorado Front Range, suggesting either range expansion or increased recognition of previously present .

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Sources and further reading