Bark-scale
Guides
Acanthococcus
felt scales, bark scales
Acanthococcus is a genus of felt scales (family Eriococcidae), sap-feeding insects in the order Hemiptera. These small, sessile insects form white, felt-like coverings on host plant bark and are significant pests of ornamental and agricultural plants. The most economically important species is Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae (crapemyrtle bark scale), an invasive pest in the United States since 2004 that infests crapemyrtles and other plants. Acanthococcus species exhibit incomplete metamorphosis, with females producing ovisacs containing hundreds of eggs. Their feeding causes branch dieback, reduced flowering, and honeydew accumulation that supports sooty mold growth.
Eriococcus
felt scales, bark scales
Eriococcus is a genus of felt scales (bark scales) in the family Eriococcidae, order Hemiptera. These insects are characterized by producing white, felt-like waxy coverings over their bodies. Some species, such as Eriococcus lagerstroemiae (crapemyrtle bark scale), are significant invasive pests of ornamental plants, while others like E. spurius damage American elm trees. The taxonomy of Eriococcidae remains debated, with some authorities placing these species in Acanthococcidae.