THE GLOOMY SCALE 
Z. P. Metcalf, Entomologist 
INTRODUCTION 
When the author first came to North Carolina, in 1908, he was im¬ 
pressed with the number of shade maples in a dead and dying condition 
along the streets, in lawns, in cemeteries—in fact, everywhere that 
maples had been planted for shade purposes. Even a cursory examina¬ 
tion showed that this injury was confined to the soft maples, whereas the 
hard maples were practically free from the trouble. 
Since 1908 the author has studied various phases of this problem in all 
sections of the State. The present bulletin is a summary of the more 
important phases of these problems and is published at this time to 
make the results of these studies available for other entomologists, and 
for landscape gardeners, keepers of parks, home owners—m fact, for 
every one who is interested in better shade trees, or in the preservation ot 
shade trees already planted. The life history of the pest is dealt with at 
some length because this is the foundation for all methods of control. 
The remedies that can be used are discussed in detail, as well as the 
enemies of this scale, because it is believed that much benefit will be 
derived from both these sources. 
IMPORTANCE OF THE GLOOMY SCALE 
The gloomy scale (Fig. 1) is without exception the most important 
insect pest of shade trees in North Carolina. This is due not only to its 
destructiveness, but also to the fact that its chief host plants are so 
largely used for shade purposes in this State. The importance of 1 11 s 
insect is, however, not always appreciated, chiefly because its attacks are 
so insidious, and because the effects of the attacks of this insect are s ow 
to develop. It is usually several years after a tree has been attacked 
before the attention of the owner is aroused. By this time the attack 
has usually progressed to such a point that it is beyond control. 
The importance of this pest can only be appreciated by one who 
gives close attention to the shade trees of the State, and then by watch¬ 
ing the progress of the insect over a series of years. I he writer of this 
bulletin has been watching the gloomy scale for the past thirteen yeais, 
and has been noting carefully the attacks of this scale on numerous trees 
throughout that period, and all these observations have convinced him 
that it is useless to try to grow soft maples m the gloomy scale teintoiy, 
unless the trees are sprayed consistently at least every second or third 
vear A visit to almost any of our cities or towns will show that fully 
three-fourths of the shade trees are soft maples. Perhaps the reason foi 
this is the fact that these maples grow rapidly and stand much abuse m 
