THE COTTONY MAPLE SCALE 
5 
FOOD PLANTS 
The host plants of this species are very widely distributed among 
trees, shrubs and vines. Sanders states that the list comprises forty- 
seven varieties and species. But few of these are of economic im¬ 
portance for they are seldom badly infested. The greatest sufferer is 
the food plant from which the insect receives its name, the soft or 
silver leaved maple ( Acer sacca?dnum ). Next in importance are the 
box elder ( Acer negundo ), black locust and elm. It has also been found 
in large numbers on pawpaw in Illinois. Mr. H. E. Weed gives as less 
seriously affected, linden {Telia) , Virginia creeper (Ampelopsis quin- 
quifolia ), bittersweet ( Celaslrus scandens), sumac ( Rhus ), grape 
( Vit is ) , and willow. Together with some of the above, other writers 
have mentioned poplar, beech, hawthorne, sycamore, hackberry, mul¬ 
berry, poison ivy, rose, basswood, and ash. In Georgia the oak is re¬ 
ported as being seriously affected. Singularly, sugar and Norway 
maples seem to be but little injured even where they are surrounded by 
badly infested host plants. 
Among fruit trees, the pear is the greatest sufferer. Apple, plum, 
peach, currant and gooseberry are also sometimes attacked. 
Some plants serve as hosts during the summer, but do not appear 
to winter over the insect. A list given by Mr. Weed includes Spircea 
Van Houtenii, S. arguta, S. prunifolia, Philadelphus ^randifloris, P. coro- 
narius, Cornus mascn/a, C. sibej-ica, C. stolonifera, Ribes aureum, R. sangui- 
nium , Hydrangea, Rudbeckia , Syringa and Vibernum. 
The western form, which is known as occidentalism appeal's to be 
fastidious in its tastes or has imbibed the western spirit of a desire 
