IPM-141 Field Key to Identification of Scale Insects on Holly (Ilex spp.)1

in the US as hedges, garden borders, and specimen plants. A well managed planting is generally free of pests and diseases but when growing conditions are poor, pest and disease can become a problem (Ingram and Barrick 2003). Clemson Extension website provides an overview of the pest and disease problems on hollies. Scale insects commonly occur on woody ornamentals where they infest twigs, branches, leaves, fruits, and dam-age them by feeding on the phloem with their piercing/ sucking mouthparts. Damage symptoms include chlorosis or yellowing, premature leaf drop, restricted growth, branch dieback, and even plant death. When scale insects excrete honey-dew, the foliage gets covered with sooty mold (Figure 1). Hollies are infested by many types of scales. The two majo