Tea Scale, Fiorinia Theae Green

Since tea scale is almost always restricted to the lower surface of host leaves, it often goes unnoticed until much of the lower leaf surface is covered (fig. 1.b), and symptoms begin to appear on the upper surface (fig. 1.c). The first evidence of its presence is the appearance of small white spots on the underside of the leaf. An infestation is usually recognized by yellowish blotches and streaks on the upper surface (fig. 1.c), a generally unhealthy appearance of the shrub (fig.2), and occasional premature dropping of the foliage. Both female and male protective covers are usually covered by a tangle of whitish, cottony threads of wax (fig. 1.e). The adult male is a minute two-winged, gnat-like insect that is rarely seen.