Aphenochiton inconspicuus (Maskell)
Aphenochiton inconspicuus - two adult females on a stem of a Coprosma sp. at Birdlings Flat, near Christchurch.
Inconspicuous scale
William Maskell named this species in 1892, because it was so inconspicuous on its host plants. Often the plant is coated in black sooty mould, growing on the honeydew produced by other scale insects such as eriococcids.
Biology: one generation per year, overwintering on the stems as young adult females. The new generation is produced in late spring through summer. Males and immature females develop on the undersides of leaves.
Found on the stems and underside of leaves of:
| Aristotelia fruticosa | wineberry |
| Coprosma propinqua | mikimiki / black scrub |
| Coprosma rigida | |
| Coprosma sp. | |
| Corokia cotoneaster | korokio |
| Muehlenbeckia australis | |
| Olearia nummularifolia | shrub daisy |
| Plagianthus divaricatus | saltmarsh ribbonwood |
| Pseudowintera colorata | horopito / pepper tree |