Felt-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.
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.
Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae
crapemyrtle bark scale, CMBS
Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae, commonly called crapemyrtle bark scale or CMBS, is an invasive felt scale insect native to East Asia. First detected in the United States near Dallas, Texas in 2004, it has since spread to at least 17 states across the Southeast and Middle Atlantic regions. This phloem-feeding pest primarily infests crapemyrtles (Lagerstroemia spp.), forming distinctive white, felt-like coverings on trunks and branches. Heavy infestations cause branch dieback, reduce flowering, and promote black sooty mold growth through honeydew excretion. The scale has also been confirmed on alternative hosts including American beautyberry, pomegranate, apple, and spirea.
Cetexa undescribed-on-junipers
An undescribed species in the genus Cetexa, a group of felt scale insects in the family Eriococcidae. This taxon is recognized from specimens collected on juniper host plants, distinguishing it from described congeners. The species awaits formal taxonomic description. As with other eriococcids, it likely produces waxy secretions and maintains a sedentary lifestyle as an adult female.
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.