The first larval stage hatching from the egg is called the crawler stage. This is the only mobile life stage other than the adult male, which is rarely seen and lives only a few days. Crawlers move about for several days before permanently settling down on the plant to feed. Crawlers and very young scale insects are the life stages most susceptible to insecticides. These scales have a life cycle similar to that of armored scales.
Many soft scales are hemispherical and dark.
A related group of scales produces cottony wax and includes the cottony maple scale. This information is for educational purposes only. References to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned. This information becomes public property upon publication and may be printed verbatim with credit to MSU Extension. Reprinting cannot be used to endorse or advertise a commercial product or company.