About Cottony Cushion Scale
A scale insect with a distinctive white fluted egg sac that devastated California's citrus industry in the 1880s. Its control by vedalia beetles was the first major success of biological pest control.
Did You Know?
The introduction of vedalia ladybirds to control it in 1889 saved the California citrus industry from collapse.
How to Identify Cottony Cushion Scale
Cottony Cushion Scale (Icerya purchasi) belongs to the order Hemiptera, family Monophlebidae. Adults typically measure 5-8 mm including egg sac.
Cottony Cushion Scale Habitat
Cottony Cushion Scale is found in orchards habitats, particularly across Originally Australia, now cosmopolitan. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Cottony Cushion Scale Diet and Feeding
Cottony Cushion Scale feeds on wood and bark, often boring into timber. Wood-feeding insects contribute to the decomposition of dead trees and nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems.
Where Is Cottony Cushion Scale Found?
Cottony Cushion Scale can be found in Originally Australia, now cosmopolitan, where it inhabits orchards environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Cottony Cushion Scale can be found
Is Cottony Cushion Scale Dangerous?
Cottony Cushion Scale is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Cottony Cushion Scale Role in Nature
Cottony Cushion Scale is part of the food web as a primary consumer, feeding on plant material. It serves as an important food source for birds, bats, amphibians, and other insectivores, connecting plant energy to higher trophic levels.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Cottony Cushion Scale
What does Cottony Cushion Scale look like?
The Cottony Cushion Scale typically measures 5-8 mm including egg sac.
Where is Cottony Cushion Scale found?
The Cottony Cushion Scale is found in Originally Australia, now cosmopolitan and typically inhabits orchards environments.
What does Cottony Cushion Scale eat?
The Cottony Cushion Scale feeds on wood and bark, often boring into timber.
Is Cottony Cushion Scale dangerous to humans?
The Cottony Cushion Scale is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Cottony Cushion Scale?
The introduction of vedalia ladybirds to control it in 1889 saved the California citrus industry from collapse.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Cottony Cushion Scale (Icerya purchasi). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/cottony-cushion-scale
MLA:
"Cottony Cushion Scale." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/cottony-cushion-scale.