European Elm Scale
Gossyparia spuria
This record describes Gossyparia spuria (species). Recorded family: Eriococcidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Mature females are up to 10 mm, oval, reddish-brown with a white, waxy fringe. Blood-like, red liquid results when scales are crushed Sap-sucking can cause stunted, chlorotic foliage, premature leaf drop and branch dieback. Associated black sooty mold growth from honeydew secretions on tops of branches gives trees an overall black appearance. Honeydew secretions are also a common nuisance to cars parked under infested elms. Introduced from Europe.
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
- Gossyparia
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Overwinter as second instar nymphs in bark cracks and crevices. Females mature in late May, mate and begin laying eggs. Crawlers begin appearing in late June and egg hatch may extend through the end of July. Crawlers feed on leaves throughout the summer, then migrate to branches before leaves drop in the fall. There is one generation per year.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Gossyparia spuria. 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 European Elm Scale (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by cotinis , Beatriz Moisset
Frequently Asked Questions About European Elm Scale
What is European Elm Scale?
European Elm Scale (Gossyparia spuria) is a species in the family Eriococcidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is European Elm Scale?
Up to 10 mm.
How do you identify European Elm Scale?
Mature females are up to 10 mm, oval, reddish-brown with a white, waxy fringe. Blood-like, red liquid results when scales are crushed
What is the life cycle of a European Elm Scale?
Overwinter as second instar nymphs in bark cracks and crevices. Females mature in late May, mate and begin laying eggs. Crawlers begin appearing in late June and egg hatch may extend through the end of July. Crawlers feed on leaves throughout the summer, then migrate to branches before leaves drop in the fall. There is one generation per year.