# 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.

- **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect)
- **Rarity:** Common
- **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low
- **Habitat:** Forests

![Tuliptree scale](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Toumeyella_liriodendri.jpg&width=800)

Photo: Gerald J. Lenhard, Louisiana State University, Bugwood.org - See more at: https://www.forestryimages.org/browse/detail.cfm?imgnum=0014284#st, CC BY-SA 3.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Toumeyella_liriodendri.jpg)

## 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.

## Taxonomy

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Arthropoda
- **Class:** Insecta
- **Order:** Hemiptera
- **Family:** Coccidae
- **Genus:** Toumeyella

## 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

- **Sap Siphon:** Tuliptree scale can pierce tree bark with specialized mouthparts to continuously suck nourishing sap.
- **Honeydew Fountain:** This insect excretes a sugary liquid called honeydew that attracts ants and provides a food source for other insects.
- **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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/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](https://www.snappit.app/explore/asian-lady-beetle) (*Harmonia axyridis*) — Adults and larvae actively prey on scale insects.

## Traits

- [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
- [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
- [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
- [Symbiotic](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/symbiotic): Describes a relationship between two different species where they live in close association, often benefiting one or both.
- [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
- [Miniature](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/miniature): Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind.

## Collections

- [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects)

## Safety

**Danger:** 1/5 · Very low

Always wash your hands after touching plants or insects.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How to identify Tuliptree scale?

Look for six legs, antennae, three body sections and the shape of the wings. Beetles have hardened front wings; flies have just one working pair. Tiny insects may need a close view before their group is clear. Insect Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details.

### 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

## More Insects

- [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*)
- [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*)
- [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*)
- [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*)

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Source: [Tuliptree scale: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/tuliptree-scale)