Spotting

Is this a scale or a direct extension of the exoskeleton into a dome. Martin,that is what i am trying to figure out.

Thank you Martin and Emma. It does look similar, Martin! Emma, there are no Elms nearby that I've seen. I still have to detach it and take an image. Maybe tomorrow :)

Do you have an Elm tree in the vicinity?

This is one of the waxy scales. This one looks quite similar but I am not confident to call it the same species. If it is, the smaller ones are younger and there are no males, only parthenogenic females. http://www.brisbaneinsects.com/brisbane_...

Cindy ,see if this is of use to you.
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/keith.balme...

I found a very sticky exudate on one of these. Also we started having these scales after the neighbor planted an elm tree in his backyard.

:) After viewing various genus of scales, it does appear to help to take it off the plant and take pics. I can do that tomorrow. Luckily these don't really move! Thanks Emma.

the red scale eventually does turn brown.
I am assuming that the scale in your spotting is hardened and dead. in that case it might be safe to pick it up and see what is underneath it?
I accidentally flicked off a scale . It was gently stuck to the tree. When it fell down ,i took a few pics. Did experience guilt.

I saw that! I have yet to spot a beautiful red scale like yours. This is a different genus but I just don't know which :)

http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/212...
I encountered this 3 wks ago.Came to a conclusion with Arlanda's help.