Cottony Camellia Scale
Pulvinaria floccifera
This record describes Pulvinaria floccifera (species). Recorded family: Coccidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
This brown scale insect can sometimes be detected by the white wax film it produces, usually on the underside of leaves, which protects its eggs. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed. It is a polyphagous insect with more than 80 host plant species belonging to 35 families and is considered a serious pest of fruit trees and ornamentals in many parts of the world, especially in countries with tropical and subtropical climate. Various life stages may be seen in most months of the year. True status in Britain is difficult to determine due to lack of records.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Sternorrhyncha
- Superfamily
- Coccoidea
- Family
- Coccidae (Soft Scale Insects)
- Genus
- Pulvinaria (Cottony Scales)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
It is a polyphagous insect with more than 80 host plant species belonging to 35 families and is considered a serious pest of fruit trees and ornamentals in many parts of the world, especially in countries with tropical and subtropical climate.
Seasonal Activity
Various life stages may be seen in most months of the year.
Additional species information
Recorded status
True status in Britain is difficult to determine due to lack of records.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Pulvinaria floccifera. 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 Cottony Camellia Scale (7)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cottony Camellia Scale
What is Cottony Camellia Scale?
Cottony Camellia Scale (Pulvinaria floccifera) is a species in the family Coccidae, within the order Hemiptera.
Where is Cottony Camellia Scale found?
Habitat: It is a polyphagous insect with more than 80 host plant species belonging to 35 families and is considered a serious pest of fruit trees and ornamentals in many parts of the world, especially in countries with tropical and subtropical climate.
When is Cottony Camellia Scale active?
Cottony Camellia Scale: seasonal activity - Various life stages may be seen in most months of the year..