When fully grown, female scales are rounded, reddish to dark brown and sometimes have a pale waxy bloom. Eggs are almost white and are 0.25 to 0.35 mm long. The eggs resemble fine pollen. New nymphs are called crawlers. Crawlers are flat, pale insects with conspicuous legs and antennae.
Older nymphs are flat and brown.
The legs and antennae become less noticeable as they mature. Males develop into a pupal stage that is a pale peach color and is covered by a translucent waxy coat. Lecanium scales suck sap from the leaves and twigs of trees. They excrete honeydew, Severe infestations may stunt plant development and cause premature leaf drop and small flowers. Sooty molds may also develop on the honeydew.