Due to similarities between the different lecanium species, even scale experts are unable to consistently provide precise identifications of submitted specimens. However, because most lecanium scales have similar life histories, accurate identifications may only be of academic importance. Lecanium scales overwinter as 2nd instar nymphs on the twigs and branches of infested trees. During spring, nymphs resume feeding.
Females then die, but remain in place, with the eggs protected beneath their bodies.
During the summer, scale crawlers emerge from eggs and crawl to the leaves where they feed for the duration of the summer. In the fall , lecanium scales migrate back to adjacent twigs and branches where they overwinter. Lecanium scales produce a single generation per year. However, any disruption of beneficial populations can result in rapid Lecanium scale population buildups over a several year period. A black sooty mold growing on the honeydew-ladened branches results in an unacceptable blackened appearance to the tree.