Are the white spots on my Sago Palm mealybugs or scale?

Question

ForwardPlant Team · Accepted Answer

Distinguishing between mealybugs and scale on your Sago Palm is crucial. Mealybugs appear as soft, cottony white masses, often in leaf axils, and are mobile. Scale insects, conversely, are typically flattened, brown, or white oval bumps, immobile once mature, resembling natural plant growths. A key difference: mealybugs secrete honeydew and leave a sticky residue, while scale insects are often accompanied by sooty mold. Examining with a magnifying glass can help identify the characteristic waxy filaments of mealybugs versus the protective shell of scale.

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