Chionaspis pinifoliae

The pine needle scale insect Chionaspis pinifoliae Fitch is a common pest on pine, spruce and other conifers across Canada and throughout the United States (Rose and Lindquist 1985). The pest has been particularly persistent on planted spruce in the Prairie Provinces in both rural and urban settings. In heavy infestations, the needles appear to be flecked with white. The insect overwinters in the egg stage under the white covering of the scale. In Saskatchewan, hatching dates vary from late May to late June. The newly hatched “crawlers” disperse, settle on old or new needles and begin scale development.