In Euonymus scale, which life stage feeds under scale covers causing damage?

In Euonymus scale, which life stage feeds under scale covers causing damage?

• A. Females and crawlers feeding under scale covers
• B. Males feeding on leaves
• C. Eggs feeding on stems
• D. Nymphs on fruit

Answer: (A)

Armored scales like Euonymus scale cause damage by feeding siphoning plant sap from beneath their protective covers. The adult female stays attached under her scale and continues to feed, which directly causes damage. The first instar crawlers, after settling, also begin feeding and then form their own covers, feeding from beneath those covers as well. Males don’t feed once mature, and eggs don’t feed. So the stages that actually feed under scale covers and contribute to damage are the females and the crawlers that have settled under their covers.

Armored scales like Euonymus scale cause damage by feeding siphoning plant sap from beneath their protective covers. The adult female stays attached under her scale and continues to feed, which directly causes damage. The first instar crawlers, after settling, also begin feeding and then form their own covers, feeding from beneath those covers as well. Males don’t feed once mature, and eggs don’t feed. So the stages that actually feed under scale covers and contribute to damage are the females and the crawlers that have settled under their covers.