Japanese Maple Scale
Lopholeucaspis japonica
This record describes Lopholeucaspis japonica (species). Recorded family: Diaspididae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
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
- Lopholeucaspis
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Native to Asia, but now found across the eastern USA, west to at least Kansas-Texas. ( scalenet.info )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Although named for one of its hosts (Japanese maple), it has been found on 63 plant genera in 39 families. ( scalenet.info )
Life History
One to four generations per year, depending on climate.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Lopholeucaspis japonica. 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 Japanese Maple Scale (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd
Frequently Asked Questions About Japanese Maple Scale
How big is Japanese Maple Scale?
Scales are 1 to 2 mm in length.
Where is Japanese Maple Scale found?
Range: Native to Asia, but now found across the eastern USA, west to at least Kansas-Texas. ( scalenet.info )
What does Japanese Maple Scale eat?
The diet of the Japanese Maple Scale includes Although named for one of its hosts (Japanese maple), it has been found on 63 plant genera in 39 families. ( scalenet.info ).
What is the life cycle of a Japanese Maple Scale?
One to four generations per year, depending on climate.