Wang, Z., Chen, Y., Knox, G.W., Ring, D., & Díaz, R. 2015 Crape Myrtle Bark Scale. Bug Biz 3440: 1-4
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Notes: The crape myrtle bark scale, Eriococcus lagerstroemiae Kuwana, is a newly introduced insect pest of crape myrtle, Lagerstroemia spp. L. (Myrtales: Lythraceae). Native to Asia, the crape scale bark scale first was reported in the United States during 2004 on crape myrtles in a landscape plant nursery in Richardson, Texas (Dallas County). During the next 10 years, this pest has spread to 31 cities in eight states at a rapid rate. Although scale feeding has not been proven to injure the plant, heavy scale infestations are associated with sooty mold, which reduces the aesthetic value of crape myrtles and their flowers and causes stunted plant growth.
