European fruit lecanium (Brown apricot scale)

Insect

European fruit lecanium (Brown apricot scale)

Parthenolecanium corni (Bouché)

Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Coccidae

Distribution: Most fruit-growing states and provinces in eastern North America.

Photos

The terrapin scale is similar but slightly smaller with dark stripes radiating out from the center.

The terrapin scale is similar but slightly smaller with dark stripes radiating out from the center. Mid-Atlantic Orchard Monitoring Guide
C

The adult female scale is nearly hemispherical and shiny brown, with several ridges along the back (A, arrow). Nymphs (crawlers) are light colored.

  • Crops Affected: apples, cherries, peaches, pears, plums

    Damage

    Attacks all deciduous tree fruits, particularly peach. Female scales cover the undersides of twigs (B) and are most noticeable during the dormant season. Crawlers feed on the leaves throughout the summer and into the fall, covering the fruit with honeydew on which a sooty black fungus grows.

    Management

    Spray a delayed dormant oil when buds are showing green tissue but before pink bud to prevent development of eggs under the scale covers; an insecticide can be applied at the completion of crawler hatch 5–6 weeks after peach petal fall. However, soft scales (family Coccidae) are usually controlled by a complex of parasitic wasps; this can be facilitated by avoiding disruptive sprays.

    Similar Species

    The terrapin scale, Mesolecanium nigrofasciatum (Pergande), is similar in biology and appearance (C), but slightly smaller than the European fruit lecanium and also has dark stripes radiating outward from the center.

About

Resources

Events

Michigan State University
  • Spartans Will.
  • © Michigan State University

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential.

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707.

We comply with the Federal Trade Commission 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).