Scale insects

There are more than 200 species of scale insect recorded in the UK, many of which do not pose a serious issue. They are stationery and often limpet-like. Examples of troublesome scales in the UK and Ireland are mussel scale (Lepidosaphes ulmi), Euonymus scale (Unaspis euonymi), minute cypress and juniper scales (Carulaspis species), horse-chestnut scale (Pulvinaria regalis) and beech scale (Cryptococcus fagisuga). The holm oak bark scale (Nidularia pulvinata) is an example of a recent introduction, being found for the first time in the UK in London in 2024.