The cover of Florida red scale females isred-brown to black with adiameter of approx. 2 mm. Males are about half the length of females. Their cover is elongated and lighter of color. The youngest stage (crawlers) can be spread by wind. After settling on a plant, they will become immobile and grow into adult scales.

Florida red scale damage

Florida red scales prefer shade and can be found on both sides of hostplant. Heavy infestation causes leaf yellowing, which is often followed by leaf drop.