Dynaspidiotus (Nuculaspis) californica
Description, biology and damage Scale insects are small (less than 0.125 inch in length) soft insects that live beneath waxy scales. These insects are often identified by the shape and size of their scales, the description of adult males and females, immature crawler stage, color of eggs, and host plant preferences. Mature black pineleaf scales are almost circular, 0.06 inch in diameter, and yellowish brown to black. Young hatch in spring and summer. Scale feeding is restricted to the needles and the needles become splotched with yellow patches. Heavy infestations cause premature needle drop and may result in death of the tree. Affected trees often display a thin crown, yellow or reddish coloration, and a shortening of the needles.
For biology, life history, monitoring and management
See "Scale insect" in:
Management-chemical control
See Table 1 in: