Eriococcidae
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.
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.
Gossyparia
Gossyparia is a genus of scale insects in the family Eriococcidae, established by Signoret in 1875. The genus contains species associated with woody plants, including Gossyparia spuria, which has been studied for its parasitoid complex in Turkey. Taxonomic status of the genus is currently marked as doubtful in some databases, reflecting ongoing classification uncertainty within the Eriococcidae.
Ovaticoccus
Ovaticoccus is a genus of eriococcid scale insects in the family Eriococcidae. At least one species, Ovaticoccus amplicoxae from Belize, has been described with notably enlarged hind coxae. Some species in this genus induce leaf-curl galls on host plants.
Yingabruxia brisleyi
Yingabruxia brisleyi is a species of felt scale insect in the family Eriococcidae, described from Australia. The species is named in honor of entomologist John Brisley. Like other eriococcids, it is likely associated with host plants and produces waxy secretions. It belongs to a genus established relatively recently, reflecting ongoing taxonomic work on Australian scale insects.