282 



circular in outline and dark in color it is strongly contrasted 

 by the green background of the plants it inhabits, and* made con- 

 spicuous in consequence. The younger stages and particularly 

 the male scales are frequently found perforated near the center, 

 indicating the exit of a parasite, which probably prevents tho 

 scale from becoming unduly numerous. The common name does 

 not indicate its origin for, as a matter of fact it is of world-wide 

 distribution. It flourishes most in damp atmospheres, hence i"s 

 abundance in Florida, Louisiana, and on plants confined in green- 

 liouscs. Its native home is at present unknown and it is doubtful 

 whether it will ever be discovered". 



The fcinaJe scale. — The substances composing this scale are 

 identical with those of the purple scale, though it is less thick, 

 circular in outline and the molts lie in or quite near the center. 

 It is dark browm in color, almost black, the central portion being 

 lighter and bearing a nipple-like appearance. When the scale is 

 raised by means of a pen knife or other fine point the wingless, 

 !v;mon-yellow insect sometimes surrounded by eggs, empty egg 

 shells, or crawling young, remains attached to the host. 



The male scale is almost exactly like that of the female in struc- 

 ture, but is much smaller, somewhat elongate, and bears but one 

 molt near the center. 



The female always remains adhering lo the host when the scale 

 is raised and is seen to be a yellow, shiny, legless, wingless, semi- 

 globular sack, held fast to the host by the long threads that con- 

 stitute its proboscis or beak. 



TJie male differs little from most of the males of this group 

 In either development or appearance. 



MEDITERRANEAN SCALE (Pavlatovia z'lziphus Lucas.) 



This is the small black scale usually occuring in large colonies 

 upon leaves, fruit and stem of citrus plants on the.se islands, espe- 

 cially on what is known here as the "Chinese orange." On no 

 olher variety of the citrus group can it be regarded as a serious 

 pest. 



The female scale is flat, elongate, and composed almost entirely 

 of the black, rectangular second molt. The first molt lies in front 

 of this, overlapping it about half of its own length, and is also 

 opaque black. 



