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Aonidia lauri

Bay scale

Description

Bay scale Aonidia lauri is an armored scale insect that develops on the leaves and twigs of Laurus nobilis and related species. Females produce round, convex, brown shields with a central orange larval exuvia. Males form narrower, oval shields. This species overwinters as a second-instar nymph and completes up to three generations per year. It occurs mainly in Mediterranean regions, where it can form dense populations on ornamental or cultivated bay laurel. Repeated infestations may weaken the host plant and reduce its decorative value, particularly in parks and urban plantings. Aonidia lauri is widespread in southern Europe, including the Adriatic coast.

Symptom

Brown, round or oval scale covers on leaves and twigs, often with a central orange dot from the larval exuvia.

Tree Species: Bay laurel

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

Pest significance: Less harmful

Pest Category: Insects

Invasive Species: No

Present in EU: Yes