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scales; the protective covering of the lecanium consists of the thickened body
wall itself instead of a separate structure, as in the armored scales.European Fruit Lecanium, Lecanium corni Bouche (Homoptera: Coccidae)
The European fruit lecanium belongs to a group of scale insects
known as the soft scales or unarmored
scales; the protective covering of the lecanium consists of the thickened body
wall itself instead of a separate structure, as in the armored scales.
Mature female scales attach themselves to l-year-old grape canes in early spring. Scales are about 5/16 inch long and dark brown with a powdery coating. During June, the female scale lays eggs to the extent that they fill the cavity occupied by the female. Once the female completes oviposition, she dies. During July and August, crawlers emerge from the eggs and move to grape leaves, where they position themselves temporarily on upper leaf surfaces. The young scales suck juices from the leaves. By late summer, the females crawl back to the canes, where they overwinter as oval scales. Growth is completed in late spring.
The European fruit lecanium does not often cause extensive damage to grapes.
Current pesticide recommendations may be found HERE