European fruit scale

Quadraspidiotus ostreaeformis (Curtis)

Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Diaspididae

Distribution: Mainly southeastern Canada.

Photos

On leaves, the scales form spots encircled by a red halo. Bernard Drouin, Ministry of Ag., Fisheries, and Food
C

The female is immobile and covered with a circular waxy shell that becomes dark gray over time and is elevated at the center (A). The adult male is brownish red with an elongated abdomen, long antennae and wings. The minuscule nymph (crawler) is bright yellow and has long antennae.

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

Damage

Attacks all deciduous tree fruits. An accumulation of the scale covers (B) of this pest, resembling minuscule round spots on the bark, can seriously weaken trees. On leaves, the fruit scales form spots encircled by a red halo (C).

Management

Spray a delayed dormant oil when buds are showing green tissue but before pink bud. Insecticide applications may be made to control newly hatched crawlers 5â€“6 weeks after petal fall.

Similar Species

San Jose scale (Quadraspidiotus perniciosus), although darker in color, is difficult to distinguish from European fruit scale with the naked eye.