Key points
- Tuliptree scale (Toumeyella liriodendri) is a native type of soft scale insect that can be difficult to manage as their waxy body covering shields them from predators and certain pesticides. Learn more about scale insect groups and biology on Introduction to Scale Insects.
- This is a common pest of tulip poplar, magnolia, and a few other trees and shrubs and can cause stunting and dieback when populations are high.
- Target monitoring and control efforts to the vulnerable crawler stage. Learn more about what to look for on Monitoring for Scale Insects.
Appearance
- Mature female covers are hemispherical, orange mottled with black (turning brown in death), and up to ¼” (6 mm) in diameter.
- Male covers are elongated and white.
- Crawlers are black.

Photo: John .A. Davidson, Univ. Md, College Pk, Bugwood.org
Common host plants
- Primarily tulip poplar (Liriodendron tulipifera) and magnolia (Magnolia)
- Various trees, including linden and basswood (Tilia), hickory (Carya), and walnut (Juglans)
- Several shrubs, including red bay (Persea palustris) and buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)
Where to look
- All life stages will be found on twigs and small branches.
- Ants often protect colonies of this scale in order to feed on the honeydew. Examine busy ant trails on young host plants to see if they are tending a population of scale in the canopy.