129 
Fig. 45. Circular Scale, Chrysomplialus 
aonidum , natural size. 
The Chaff Scale (Parlatoria pergandii Comst., Figure 46) is 
widely distributed, and we have found it very common in green¬ 
houses on orange and lemon foliage, where it is found clustered 
along the larger leaf-veins. The scale is of a dirty gray color, 
nearly circular, and with the cast skin, or exuvium, at one end. 
The eggs, deposited beneath the female scale, are purplish in color, 
as are the young larv?e also. 
Fig. 46 Chaff Seal", 
Purlatoi ia pergandii , 
greatly enlarged. 
Parlatoria proteus Curt, is a rare species in Illinois, and has 
been found only on sago palm in small numbers. It is cosmopoli¬ 
tan, and infests various greenhouse and tropical plants. The scale 
as more or less oval and of a brownish yellow color. The ex¬ 
uvium is at one end, and nearly half the length of the scale. 
Life History .—All of the scales have a similar life history, 
which may be briefly sutnmarized as follows: The eggs, which 
are the usual means of reproduction, are deposited beneath the 
scale, and from these, larvae are hatched, which have legs, and 
are able for a little time to travel short distances. Soon, how¬ 
ever, they settle on the leaves or bark, as the case may be, forming 
a thin scale over their bodies and losing their power of locomo¬ 
tion. The females remain stationary for the rest of their Jives, 
growing, however, and forming larger and more protective scales. 
Upon becoming mature they are fertilized by the winged males and 
deposit several hundred eggs—or in some cases give birth to liv¬ 
ing young—beneath the scale. The male scales, which are elon- 
