Oystershell Scale
Lepidosaphes ulmi
This record describes Lepidosaphes ulmi (species). Recorded family: Diaspididae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
They can kill branches or even entire trees. An introduced species according to Invasive and exotic insects .
Wikipedia reference for Lepidosaphes ulmi: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lepidosaphes_ulmi.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Sternorrhyncha
- Superfamily
- Coccoidea
- Family
- Diaspididae (Armored Scale Insects)
- Genus
- Lepidosaphes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Throught the continent and widespread throughout the world. More abundant in northern states.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: They feed on over 150 species of host plants of about 13 families
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: The common name refers to its appearance; the scale looks like an oyster or mussel.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Lepidosaphes ulmi. 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 Oystershell Scale (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Claude Pilon; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Oystershell Scale
What is Oystershell Scale?
Oystershell Scale (Lepidosaphes ulmi) is a species in the family Diaspididae, within the order Hemiptera.
Where is Oystershell Scale found?
Range: Throught the continent and widespread throughout the world. More abundant in northern states.
What does Oystershell Scale eat?
The diet of the Oystershell Scale includes They feed on over 150 species of host plants of about 13 families.