Camellia Scale
Nymph-The immature male scale lives under a smaller shell narrower than that of the adult female (Color Plate 2Q). Immature females secrete an oval armor about 0.8 mm long.
Host Plants -Unlike the tea scale, the camellia scale has little effect on camellias grown under natural conditions. It is found mostly on cuttings and on young plants in greenhouses and nurseries. The camellia scale is found on Camellia spp. and holly (flex spp.).
Damage -The devitalized foliage drops prematurely but is not discolored. The sale value of infested plants is reduced.
Life History -When 40 to 50 days old, females lay 25 to 55 eggs, which hatch in 11 to 24 days. From the shell, the young nymphs (crawlers) migrate either to fresh leaves or to old leaves near the parent. As soon as they settle, they begin to secrete a protective covering. In 12 to 17 days after birth, they molt. The second molt occurs 6 to 10 days later, after which the shell gradually enlarges to accommodate the growing insect. The life cycle is usually completed in 60 to 70 days. Few eggs are laid outdoors during the winter, but hatching may continue in greenhouses and in cold frames. Because of overlapping broods, all stages of the life cycle are present in summer.
The camellia scale is often heavily parasitized by tiny wasps, which make holes in the shells when they emerge. Lady beetles also feed rather extensively on this scale. For specific chemical controls, see the current state extension service recommendations.