Armoured Scales

Several species of armoured scales are significant pests of fruit crops in New Zealand including apples, kiwifruit, grapes and citrus. Armoured scales are sucking pests which can debilitate plants that are heavily infested but are of primary importance as their presence on fruit is a quarantine issue in many export markets. Armoured scale adults are small immobile insects with a protective shell like cap that varies in colour depending on species.

Related Pests

Bronze Beetle

Eucolaspis brunnea

The adult form of the New Zealand grass grub is commonly called bronze beetle (Eucolaspis brunnea). Flights of the beetles in late spring can cause damage to fruit trees including apples. On apples the beetle chews leaves and fruits causing scalloping marks on fruit.

Pear Leaf Curling Midge

Dasineura pyri

A similar (Dasineura pyri) but different species to apple leafcurling midge. Attacks actively growing shoots in early summer but does not usually infest fruit. Causes twisting, deformation and defoliation of new shoot growth which can stunt young trees.

Apple Leaf Curling Midge

Dasineura mali

Apple leaf curling midge (Dasineura mali) causes characteristic leaf curling on young shoots throughout the summer. Severe infestations can retard growth and on young trees effecting tree development. Contamination of fruit by apple leaf curling midge is a major concern as it is a quarantine pest in some key export markets.