3.3.11 – Coniferous Forest Trees

Soft scales on conifer forest trees seldom cause economic damage, but the same species on the same host plants in urban environments often become pests. This change in pest status is possibly because of the stress caused by air pollution, insufficient water, and harsh temperatures. In addition, Coccidae populations often reach pest status under urban conditions because of a reduction in their natural enemies, and this may exacerbate the stresses in the plant. Eight of the nine species are oligophagous, feeding on species of the family Pinaceae . The exception is Parthenolecanium fletcheri (Cockerell) that has only been recorded from the families Cupressaceae and Taxaceae .