Black egg case with tiny pink eggs - what laid it?

Question: Hello, Today I found the egg case shown below attached on the base stem of a container plant, and would like to identify the source of the eggs if possible. This was found in Coastal Southern California, and I believe it is not more than a day or two old. The tarry looking casing (1/8 to 3/16" diameter) was removed with a damp paper towel, and was filled with hundreds of tiny pink eggs (second photo). The pink mass at the bottom of the second photo is spilled eggs released during removal of the casing. The photograph is on a paper towel for size reference. The eggs are small enough to become airborne, mere specks. I have not observed any insects, nor any damage to the plant which is grown in a tightly screened enclosure. The eggs have been contained and removed. I have sprayed the plant's stem with a weak solution of dish soap and water. No other casings have been located. Are other precautions warranted? What kind of insect am I looking for (mama), and how best to eliminate if necessary? Thank you kindly for your assistance!

responder: Beth Schecklehoff  Replied August 22, 2024, 4:28 PM EDT
response: Hello,  This is a female soft scale with eggs. I am not entirely sure of the species though. It resembles the Kuno scale: https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/GARDEN/PLANTS/INVERT/kuno.html.  Here is some general information on soft scales: https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/scale-insects/  Control is most effective following egg hatch and emergence of the crawlers. To anticipate this, it is important to know the insect species and approximate time of egg hatch. You may wish to check with your local extension office in California, as they likely have specific information on species in your area.  Please let me know if you need anything else!

responder: The Question Asker Replied August 22, 2024, 5:39 PM EDT
response: Thanks Beth!
I appreciate your reply. Had come to the same conclusion and was successful in disposing of most of the eggs. 
A dose of soapy water seems to have kept any stray eggs at bay.
The reason I had not noticed this gal earlier is that she was tan colored and looked like a spot where a branch or twig had been broken off. 
When she turned black she stood out like a sore thumb.
Thankfully, she was a loner.

Best,

Eric


On Aug 22, 2024, at 1:28 PM, Ask Extension <ask> wrote:

Dear Bever, here's the response to your question:

Hello,

This is a female soft scale with eggs. I am not entirely sure of the species though. It resembles the Kuno scale: https://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/GARDEN/PLANTS/INVERT/kuno.html.

Here is some general information on soft scales: https://hort.extension.wisc.edu/articles/scale-insects/

Control is most effective following egg hatch and emergence of the crawlers. To anticipate this, it is important to know the insect species and approximate time of egg hatch. You may wish to check with your local extension office in California, as they likely have specific information on species in your area.

Please let me know if you need anything else! 

Need to reply to the expert? Click the link below, or simply reply to this email.

Click here to view #0150267


Beth Schecklehoff

OSU Extension - Putnam County

Extension Educator, Agriculture and Natural Resources

<personal data hidden> |<personal data hidden>


We hope this response has sufficiently answered your questions. If not, please do not send another email. Instead, reply to this email or login to your account for a complete archive of all your support requests and responses.</ask>