Plumichiton diadema Henderson & Hodgson
Plumichiton diadema. On the left, a young adult female; on the right, an empty male test. The wax coverings are thick, as these scales need extra protection for winter, when they can be covered in snow at times.
Crown scale
The species name diadema means "a royal circlet or crown", because this scale is jewel-like with its ruby-red margins and crystal top.
Biology: one generation a year, overwintering as young adult females. The new generation is from spring through summer, depending on altitude of habitat site. This is the only known native soft scale that has adapted to cold winter climates.
Found on the upperside of leaves of:
| Gaultheria sp. | [taupuku / snowberry] |
| Olearia nummularifolia | shrub daisy |
| Ozothamnus [was Cassinia] leptopyllus | tauhinu / cassinia |
| Parahebe olsenii |