Damaging infestations can develop during mild winters. They infest the whole tree starting on the inside canopy. Legs are pale red and body red to purplish in color. They produce a brownish discoloration, which may eventually cover the entire leaf. Heaviest infestations are found along roads, where dust on the trees appears to favor mite infestations.
Severe infestations can cause defoliation.
These pests belong to the class Insecta , order Homoptera , families Diaspididae, Coccidae and Pseudococcidae. They are a major pest to plant crops. Males begin much as females but pupate at the end of the developmental period. Adult males appear as small two-winged flies without mouth parts. Females are wingless and usually immobile.