Ericaceae-specialist

Guides

• Acanthococcus azaleae

  Azalea Bark Scale

  Acanthococcus azaleae, commonly known as the azalea bark scale, is a felt scale insect in the family Eriococcidae. It is native to Asia and has been introduced to North America, Europe, and other regions through global trade. The species feeds on azaleas (Rhododendron spp.) and related ericaceous plants, forming white, felt-like coverings on bark. It was initially confused with the invasive crapemyrtle bark scale (Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae), which was first identified in Texas in 2004 and later determined to be a distinct species. The azalea bark scale produces honeydew that supports sooty mold growth and can cause branch dieback in heavy infestations.

  scale-insectfelt-scaleazalea-pestornamental-pestEriococcidaeSternorrhynchaintroduced-speciesphloem-feederhoneydew-producersooty-moldcrapemyrtle-bark-scale-look-alikeEricaceae-specialist

• Coleophora ledi

  Coleophora ledi is a small case-bearing moth (family Coleophoridae) with a wingspan of 10–13 mm. It has a trans-Holarctic distribution, occurring across northern Eurasia from Fennoscandia to Japan, and in North America in eastern Canada, Michigan, and Alaska. The species is notable for its larval specialization on Ericaceae shrubs, particularly Ledum and Chamaedaphne species.

  case-bearing-mothEricaceae-specialistborealHolarcticwetland