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Aphenochiton inconspicuus (Maskell)

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Inconspicuous scale
[Aphenochiton inconspicuus] - two adult females on a stem of a [Coprosma] sp. at Birdlings Flat, near Christchurch.

[Aphenochiton inconspicuus] - two adult females on a stem of a [Coprosma] sp. at Birdlings Flat, near Christchurch.

William Maskell named this species in 1892, because it was so inconspicuous on its host plants. Often the plant is coated in black sooty mould, growing on the honeydew produced by other scale insects such as eriococcids.

Biology: one generation per year, overwintering on the stems as young adult females. The new generation is produced in late spring through summer. Males and immature females develop on the undersides of leaves.

Found on the stems and underside of leaves of:

Aristotelia fruticosa wineberry
Coprosma propinqua mikimiki / black scrub
Coprosma rigida  
Coprosma sp.  
Corokia cotoneaster korokio
Muehlenbeckia australis  
Olearia nummularifolia shrub daisy
Plagianthus divaricatus saltmarsh ribbonwood
Pseudowintera colorata horopito / pepper tree