Apple critters (forum)

BJ starts with ...
Hello All,
One of my apple trees appears to have inherited some critters. I'm not sure if they are moths, bugs or something else (they look like inspiration for a science fiction movie ... pretty cool - although I'm not sure if they are cool for my apples) The larger of these creatures appears to be about 8mm in length - there are smaller critters which I presume are babies.
Are these creatures good, bad or ugly? If they are either of the later ... how do I best remove them?
Pictures - Click to enlarge

Picture: 1
Picture: 2
Picture: 3

Time: 2nd April 2010 9:04pm

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About the Author BJ11
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Julie says...
BJ, they sort of look like a mealybug, but too big and wrong shape. Are they soft? Do they fly? If they are soft, white oil may do the trick.

Though maybe someone here knows what they actually are.

Time: 2nd April 2010 9:36pm

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Original Post was last edited: 2nd April 2010 9:37pm

About the Author Julie
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Julie says...
Sorry, trying to get rid of the 'r' and get back my address. I'll try another thread.

Time: 2nd April 2010 9:38pm

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BJ says...
My googling of mealybug doesn't fill me with confidence that they are mealybugs. The mealybug sort of looks like a slater; these guys appear to have a skirt, but less legs.
I want to be sure they are bad before I start killing them. They are soft, but I've not observed them flying.

Time: 2nd April 2010 11:39pm

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JUJUBE FOR SALE IN MELBOURNE says...
Hi BJ,

I think you have Cotton Cushion Scales

http://www.brisbaneinsects.com/brisbane_softbugs/CottonCushionScale.htm


Time: 3rd April 2010 8:33am

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BJ says...
Thems the ones!
Thankyou ... I'm guessing I'll be a-squishing buggies this afternoon!

Time: 3rd April 2010 10:53am

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