Populations of the wax scales, Ceroplastes ceriferus (Fabricius) and Ceroplastes sinensis Del Guercio, have become established in Virginia. A third species, Ceroplastes floridensis Comstock, is periodically brought into the state but is apparently unable to overwinter.

Ceroplastes ceriferus the primary species in Virginia, was originally found in Norfolk in 1942. In the past 30 years C. ceriferus has spread into 40 counties, All infestations are east of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the majority of which are in the Piedmont area from Charlottesville, Richmond and Danville eastward. Its host range encompasses 122 species of plants in 46 families, primarily ornamentals, some shade trees, and several weeds.

Ceroplastes sinensis, a minor species in Virginia, was originally found in Norfolk in 1938. It has been recorded in three southeastern counties from four species of Ilex.

Each instar of the three species of Ceroplastes found in Virginia is characterized in this study including measurements and illustrations. Of these, C. ceriferus and C. floridensis are completely described for the first time. Keys are provided for separation of the instars for each species. Mounting techniques are given.

The biologies of the established species were recorded from oviposition to development of the adult stage. Both species have three instars, overwinter in the adult stage and produce one generation a year. Males of the Japanese wax scale were collected for the first time in the United States from greenhouse colonies in Virginia and Maryland. C. ceriferus oviposits in April and May; hatching begins in June and in dense populations may occur as late as July; settling occurs primarily on the stems of the host. The time required for seasonal development of populations varies with the location of the infestation. In rural and suburban areas infestations required approximately 72 days to complete development from egg to adult while infestations in urban areas required only 52 days. C. sinensis begins oviposition in May; hatching begins in late June. The first and second instars settle and develop on the leaves in July and the third nymphal instar migrates back-to the stems in late August to complete development. This species requires 75 days for development from egg to adult in a suburban area.

Laetilia coccidivora (Comstock) and Coacophagus fraternus Howard are the primary predator and parasite, respectively, of Ceroplastes in Virginia. Laetilia coccidivora and Anicetus towneyeUae Milliron, a parasite of adult C. sinensis, are here recorded on Ceroplastes for the first time.

Carbaryl, carbofuran, Imidan®, malathion, diazinon, ethion, carbophenothion, monitor, Supracide®, Orthene®, dimethoate and oxydementonmethyl, sprays and phorate, disulfoton arid aldicarb granules were the materials tested for control of C. ceriferus. The additive Nufilm-17® was tested with malathion, diazinon, and carbophenothion,' Results showed that applications of insecticides at hatching produced the best results. Carbaryl, Imidan® and carbofuran showed the most consistent and effective control of the wax scales.