I have been plagued with cottony cushion scale on this Althea each spring, which I have been crushing with my fingers every chance I get. Recently, I noticed several of these colorful insects on the leaves and moving up the branches. This one appeared to be temporarily attached at one end to the leaf. I am wondering what they are and if they are helpful to the tree. Or, are they, too, sucking the juices out of my favorite flowering tree? My apologies for photos not completely in focus. Your help will be appreciated.
