Brown soft scale
(citrus, papaya, etc.) and ornamentals such as schefflera, ficus, hibiscus, oleander, palms, ferns and orchids. Life cycle and appearance of Brown soft scale [...] colour of the scale darkens as the female ages. The size, shape and characteristics of the female also vary with different host plants. The middle of the [...] coccids and in turn benefit from a rich food source. The honeydew also quickly becomes infected by sooty moulds which can cover the leaves, flowers and fruit