The overwintering form of the cottony maple scale is a small, brown, flattened 1/8 inch long scale attached to the bark of twigs and small branches. During the summer, the scale enlarges by secreting wax resulting in a body several times greater than the overwintering form. The body of the scale is white and resembles a kernel of popcorn. The immature scale is flat, oval shaped, and light yellow to green. The eggs are usually brown.