ALL KINDS OF SCALE INSECTS 475 



Scale Insects. This is a large group of pests which occasion 

 greater loss and trouble to our fruit growers than all other pests 

 combined. There are many species, and no orchard tree is exempt 

 from the attacks of one or more of ti'em, though some trees are ap- 

 parently more popular with the pests than others. The fruit grower 

 should study their life history and classification as laid down in the 

 works on entomology. It will only be possible in this connection to 

 call the roll of the common scales and to give some of the remedies 

 which are now being most successfully employed against them. 



San Jose Scale (Aspidiotus perniciosus). This was formerly one 

 of the worst and most widespread of the species of scales preying 

 on deciduous fruit trees in California, but at present, owing to the 

 energetic war that fruit growers have had to wage against it, has 

 become of minor importance, and, in fact, has practically disappeared 

 from some regions where it was formerly most injurious. The work 

 of this species is generally readily distinguished from other species 

 of scale by the red blotches which are formed wherever it stings any 

 part of the tree either branch, leaf or fruit. These red blotches are 

 more pronounced in some varieties than in others. When the scales 

 are present in large numbers, it causes a complete discoloration of the 

 bark clear to the sap-wood. This scale has its preference among the 

 deciduous fruits. The apricot and certain varieties of cherries and 

 plums are but little affected. 



The Greedy Scale (Aspidiotus rapax). This species affects 

 many kinds of trees, deciduous as well as evergreens. Scale, about 

 one-sixteenth of an inch in length; form, ovoid; color, drab; female, 

 bright yellow. This insect is found in many places along the coast. It 

 is distinguishable easily from the Aspidiotus perniciosus by its whit- 

 ish yellow color, contrasting with the dark color of the latter. Gen- 

 erally this scale has only one brood in the season, and, as compared 

 with the San Jose scale, it is of little danger, owing to its slow-breed- 

 ing propensities. 



Oyster Shell Scale of Apple (Lepidosaphes ulmi). This scale 

 affects the apple chiefly, although sometimes the pear also. Owing to 

 the thickness of the armor, it is one of the most difficult of the scales 

 to exterminate. It is easily recognized by its long curved form. 



Rose and Berry Scale (Aulacaspis rosae). This scale has such 

 striking forms that it can be readily recognized. The round white 

 scale is that of the female, the elongated one with ridges is the male. 

 The rose scale infests, besides roses, various fruit bushes, especially 

 blackberries and raspberries. Remedy : For raspberries and black- 

 berries the cutting down of the canes to the ground should be adopted, 

 and the stumps sprayed or washed with kerosene emulsion, recom- 

 mended under the head of general remedies for scale insects. 



Oleander Scale (Aspidiotus hederac). This scale is small, flat, 

 yellowish-white. It affects a great many trees, especially evergreens. 

 Lemon trees become badly affected, and the fruit is sometimes com- 



