Crape Myrtle Bark Scale
Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae
This record describes Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae (species). Recorded family: Eriococcidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Introduced from Asia. Found in Texas in 2004. It keeps spreading through southern states. It has become a serious pest of crape myrtle.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Sternorrhyncha
- Superfamily
- Coccoidea
- Family
- Eriococcidae (Felt Scales)
- Genus
- Acanthococcus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Southern states. It keeps spreading.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: The introduced ornamental plant, crape myrtle
Life History
The female lays eggs from May to September and then dies. First instar nymphs have legs and are mobile. There may be 2 to 3 generations a year
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Hemiptera (true bugs) includes over 80,000 described species across cicadas, aphids, leafhoppers, shield bugs, and bed bugs. Aphids alone cost global agriculture an estimated $2.5 billion annually in crop losses.
Ecological role of the group
Many Hemiptera are essential food sources for birds and predatory insects. Cicadas provide massive nutrient pulses during emergence events - a single Brood X emergence can involve trillions of individuals across 15 states.
Economic and practical significance of the group
The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) caused $37 million in apple crop losses in a single year in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region. Bed bug infestations in the U.S. increased by 500% between 2001-2010, costing the hotel industry hundreds of millions annually.
Recorded sources for this group: USDA, EPA, University research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Crape Myrtle Bark Scale (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Beatriz Moisset; Additional contributions by Vox Sciurorum
Frequently Asked Questions About Crape Myrtle Bark Scale
What is Crape Myrtle Bark Scale?
Crape Myrtle Bark Scale (Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae) is a species in the family Eriococcidae, within the order Hemiptera.
Where is Crape Myrtle Bark Scale found?
Range: Southern states. It keeps spreading.
What does Crape Myrtle Bark Scale eat?
The diet of the Crape Myrtle Bark Scale includes The introduced ornamental plant, crape myrtle.
What is the life cycle of a Crape Myrtle Bark Scale?
The female lays eggs from May to September and then dies. First instar nymphs have legs and are mobile. There may be 2 to 3 generations a year