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Habitats of New Zealand Soft Scales

Fungal pathogens

Insect infesting fungal pathogens are called entomogenous fungi. There are three known fungal species that attack native soft scale insects, and there are probably more unknown species as well. They prefer wet or very damp conditions.

1. Aegerita webberi H.S. Fawc., or "brown blobs"

Particularly infesting spotted sixpenny scale Ctenochiton paraviridis, it attacks during the early nymphal stages, and usually there is no remaining evidence of the scale insect, just a brown blob on the leaf surface.

Note: the "brown blobs" fungus does not attack sixpenny scale, Ctenochiton viridis, [the reason is unknown].

2. Hypocrella duplex (Berk.) Petch, or "orange puffs"

In early infestations, the scale's shape and patterns are visible; in older infestations the fungus puffs up, either at one end or all over.
Most commonly attacks transparent kamahi scale Aphenochiton kamahi, golden plumed scale Plumichiton flavus and glassy nikau scale Plumichiton nikau.
Less often it attacks spotted sixpenny scale Ctenochiton paraviridis and then usually when the scale is on the plant horopito, Pseudowintera colorata, as in the photo.

3. Verticillium lecanii (Zimm.) Viegas, or "white fungus"

Commonly seen on adult female scales, where body outlines remain visible. Verticillium has a looser texture than the other two fungal species. Particularly attacks spotted sixpenny scale Ctenochiton paraviridis, occasionally peppercorn scale Epelidochiton piperis.