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Saissetia oleae

Black olive scale

Description

Black olive scale Saissetia oleae adult females are about 3–4 mm. They are dark brown or black. Young scales of Saissetia oleae are yellow to orange crawlers and are found on leaves and twigs of the tree. This pest usually has one generation per year. Black scale prefers dense, unpruned portions of trees. Young black scale excretes sticky shiny honeydew on leaves of infested trees. This excreted liquid can finally cover the leaves of the entire tree. Some fungi feed on this food and can cause secondary damage to the tree. Infestations reduce vigour and productivity of the tree. Continued feeding can cause defoliation that reduces the bloom in the following year. It is common in the southern parts of Europe.

Symptom

Brown scale insect on leaves and branches.

Tree Species: Olive

Part of a plant- attacked: Leaf / Needle, Branch

Pest significance: Harmful

Pest Category: Insects

Invasive Species: No

Present in EU: Yes

Last observations

There are a total of 1 observations of the species in the system

Saissetia oleae Black olive scale
Prosoul
Number of votes: 0
Published: 24.8.2025