This scale is unisexual and considered ovoviviparous with eggs hatching in 2 to 3 hours after deposit. New larvae are yellow and infest the terminal portions of the branches. Adults settle on twigs and form dense colonies. Ants are often associated with this species feeding on the honeydew and driving off or killing beneficials. Populations often build when beneficials are reduced.
Heavy infestations leads to reduced tree vitality.
The body of the female is reddish brown, and legs and antennae are black, but this color is often masked by mealy wax. The female is hermaphroditic, possessing both male and female reproductive organs, which is rather unique among insects. A waxy fluted ovisac, one on each female, in which over 1,000 eggs may be deposited, causes the tree to appear as if covered by snow. Unfertilized eggs, which are rare, produce functional males, fragile looking dark red with grayish wings. Black scale eggs are 0.2 to 0.3 mm long and light colored when first laid, becoming pink after 2 or 3 days.