INJURIOUS AND BENEFICIAL INSECTS OP CALIFORNIA. 181 



(Chilocorus bivulnerus), Lindorus lopantlius Blaisd. and the steel-blue 

 ladybird beetle (Orcus chalybeus (Boisd.) prey upon the San Jose 

 scale. 



Fig. 158. — The pernicious or San Jose scale, Aspidiotus pemiciosus 

 Comst. Infested apples showing the characteristic reddish blotches 

 around the scales. Reduced. (After Britton) 



THE FLORIDA RED SCALE 



Chrysomphalus aonidum (Linnaeus) 



(Chrysomphalus ficus Ashmead) 



(Coccus aonidum Linnaeus) 



(Fig. 159) 



Description. — The scales are characterized by their exceedingly 

 regular and circular form, shining dark brown surface and median 

 circular exuvias. They are slightly larger, more regular and darker 

 than those of the common red or orange scale. (Chrysomphalus 



aurantii) . 



Life History.— The life history is practically the same as that of 

 the red scale (Chrysomphalus aurantii). 



Nature of Work. — This species collects in large colonies upon the 

 branches and leaves of the host plants, causing them to turn yellow 

 or even killing them. 



Distribution.— Though the Florida red scale is troublesome in the 

 Southern Gulf States, as an outdoor pest, its attacks in California are 

 almost entirely confined to greenhouses in the central and northern 

 parts and to subtropical ornamental gardens in the southern part of 

 the State. It is not an orchard pest. 



Food Plants. — Araucaria bidwillii, Aspidistra lurida, banana, 

 begonia, camellia, camphor, citron, coconut, grapefruit, guava, India 



