Large white egg casing with orange heads

[Lester Freeman]

Any ideas what this relates to? Much thanks

PS I believe the white structure is an egg casing of some kind, not sure what though. Also, there is clearly a patch of mold below it, this problem has been solved however I do wish to know what the casing is.

 

[Lester Freeman]

Credible identification: "Cottony Cushion Scale Insect" aka Icerya purchasi

"When mature, the insect remains stationary, attaches itself to the plant by waxy secretions, and produces a white egg sac in grooves, by extrusion, in the body which encases hundreds of red eggs. The egg sac will grow to be two to three times as long as the body. Newly hatched nymphs are the primary dispersal stage, with dispersion known to occur by wind and by crawling."

 

[trichomes]

Horrifying sight, does it bite?