ID : Scale Insect

[Andrew C]

Good morning,

Whilst trimming the laurel hedge back, I found several samples of rounded scale insects as shown in the attached images. When they are lifted with a fingernail, there is apowery mass of eggs that floats off in the breeze. I suspect these might be Parthenolecanium corni or something similar and wanted to ask if anyone can venture an opinion on these?

Regards,
Andrew.

[Chris Malumphy]

Dear Andrew, you are correct in assuming that this insect is most likely to be Parthenolecanium corni (Bouche, 1844) (Hemiptera: Coccidae), commonly known as the European fruit lecanium. This species is very common and widespread in the UK. It is broadly polyphagous, feeding on plants belonging to at least 40+ families, but is most common on Rosaceae. It is native to Europe and has spread to North America and New Zealand with trade. There is a small possibility that this is another species of Parthenolecanium or Eulecanium. Unfortunately scale insects usually have to be slide mounted and examined under a high power microscope to be absolutely certain of their identity.

[Andrew C]

Evening Chris,

Thank you for replying to my post in a detailed manner. Fortunately, I know someone who has a high powered microscope and slide equipment so I will ask if he will look at them and then try to take some images through the eyepieces.

Regards,
Andrew.