I was pulling up grass by my fig tree and noticed Argentine ants scurrying about. I figured they were farming root aphids, but upon closer inspection noticed these white sort of pods. When crushed, they exude a liquid that resembles blood. This is in southern California.
Looks like Antonina graminis, known variously as the Rhodesgrass scale or Rhodesgrass mealybug - see http://landscapeipm.tamu.edu/ipm-for-turfgrass/pests-turfgrass/scale-insects-2/ and http://www.nbaii.res.in/insectpests/Antonina-graminis.php
Yep, that's it. Thanks!
