Tuliptree scale
ExploreInsects
Tuliptree scale
Toumeyella liriodendri
The Tuliptree scale is a tiny insect that lives on tulip trees. It has a soft, waxy covering that helps protect it from the weather and predators.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Tuliptree scale is a large, brown, hemispherical insect that looks like a small, smooth cap attached to branches. Its mottled, waxy body allows it to blend in with tree bark. Adult females are wingless and much larger than the tiny, winged males.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderHemipteraFamilyCoccidaeGenusToumeyella
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Heavily infested trees can drip sticky honeydew, making it seem like it's raining!
It is the largest soft scale insect found in North America!
Males are so tiny and short-lived, they are almost never seen.
Young scales overwinter as tiny, flat nymphs, hidden on tree branches.
Special abilities
Ability
Sap Siphon
Tuliptree scale can pierce tree bark with specialized mouthparts to continuously suck nourishing sap.
Ability
Honeydew Fountain
This insect excretes a sugary liquid called honeydew that attracts ants and provides a food source for other insects.
Ability
Waxy Shield
Tuliptree scales have a tough, waxy body that provides protection from predators and environmental stress.
Measurements & details
- Size
- 5-8.5 mm
- Lifespan
- 30-365 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
This insect feeds exclusively on tree sap, which provides all its nutrients.
Primary Foods
- phloem sap
- Tuliptree sap
- Magnolia sap
- Linden sap
Ecological connections
eats
Tuliptree
Liriodendron tulipifera
Feeds on the tree's phloem sap, often causing damage.
symbiotic with
Carpenter Ant
Camponotus pennsylvanicus
Gathers sugary honeydew, sometimes protecting the scales from predators.
eaten by
Tuliptree Scale Parasitoid Wasp
Encyrtus toumeyellae
Larvae develop inside the scale, eventually killing it.
eaten by
Asian Lady Beetle
Harmonia axyridis
Adults and larvae actively prey on scale insects.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Symbiotic
Describes a relationship between two different species where they live in close association, often benefiting one or both.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Miniature
Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always wash your hands after touching plants or insects.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is Tuliptree scale?
5-8.5 mm
How long does Tuliptree scale live?
30-365 days
What does Tuliptree scale eat?
This insect feeds exclusively on tree sap, which provides all its nutrients.
Where is Tuliptree scale usually found?
Forests
How many legs does Tuliptree scale have?
6
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