Tuliptree Scale

Natural Habitat

Found on various deciduous trees, with a strong preference for tuliptree (Liriodendron tulipifera), magnolia (Magnolia spp.), and sometimes other trees like linden, ash, or maple. They are typically found on the branches and twigs of their host trees.

Diet & Feeding

Tuliptree scales are sap-feeding insects. They insert their needle-like mouthparts into the phloem of host plants to feed on sugars and other nutrients from the sap.

Behavior Patterns

Tulip tree scales are sessile (immobile) once they settle on a host plant. They primarily feed during the summer months. Females lay eggs under their bodies, and crawlers (mobile first instars) hatch in late summer to early fall, disperse, and then settle to begin feeding. They overwinter as nymphs on bark and twigs. The large quantities of honeydew they excrete can lead to the growth of sooty mold on affected trees and surrounding areas.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Tuliptree scales can be a significant pest, especially in urban and landscape settings. Heavy infestations can lead to stunted growth, defoliation, branch dieback, and in severe cases, even death of the host tree, particularly for young trees or those under stress. The honeydew they secrete can create sticky surfaces on plants and objects below, leading to the growth of unsightly sooty mold, which can also reduce photosynthesis. Benefits: In natural ecosystems with balanced predator populations, they may serve as a food source for natural enemies, although their pest status often outweighs any benefits in managed landscapes.

Identified on: 8/26/2025