Present in Hawaii since 1895, the nigra scale is present on all major islands except Lanai. The nigra scale feeds from the phloem of the host plant and may be found on leaves or twigs containing chlorophyll. Damage due to feeding of an individual scale is small. However, when large populations are present, yellowing, defoliation, reduction in fruit set, and a loss in plant vigor may result. This scale is believed to reproduce parthenogenetically, or non sexually.
Females are able to lay viable eggs without fertilization by males.
Males have not been found in this species, and populations are believed to be comprised solely by females. Laboratory rearing on Annona and Citrus gave similar results. EGGS Eggs are oval in shape. Just after being laid, the eggs are transparent with a shiny surface and turn pink in color in a few hours. Before hatching the eggs are a yellow orange color with two black spots that correspond to the eyes.