I have black bumps and a large black bug ringed with orange on my redbud. Would this be a beneficial bug or something I need to treat? I did try to search what kind of bug it is but couldn't find it. The shape is similar to a stink bug but not exact. I have pictures but not sure how to post. Also, getting a picture of this bug was a challenge, she's a bit camera shy. Kept scooting around the tree form whatever side I was on.

Attached is the picture of the bug and the bumps.

The smaller discs are scale...definitely FOE..I'll have to look into the beetle. Neem oil products can help with the scale.

Good to know, I have orange oil but I'm not familiar with Neem, is that what the product is called? I'll have to go hunt to see if anyone here carries it.
Also, is it possible that the beetle is a foe to the scale?

Where are you located? Several Dallas nurseries carry Neem products. Just ask for Neem.

Be careful. That stink bug may be a good guy and helping with the control of the scale. Also the liquid neem products on the market aren't very good. Neem loses it's efficacy very fast when in liquid form. There's a dry product we are trying to help get on the market but it is not there yet. We have good luck with sprays of Bio Wash and orange oil mixed into Garrett Juice for the control of scale. And, if the stress that brought the buggers on in the place isn't reduced, they will be back. Sick Tree Treatment is the long term answer.

Thanks Howard!

I didn't see these later postings until just now. I did find the Neem product and used it on the tree. It, along with reducing the factors that was stressing the tree, made a huge difference. The tree has never looked better. I am going to try it on a tree at work that I just discovered also has scale. Along with reducing the same stress issues.
Btw, I made sure my bug 'buddy' was not on the tree when I sprayed it. Just in case. Thanks for the advice. I'll follow up with the sick tree treatment if I don't see a quick turnaround.

I've got the same thing on my Meyer Lemon. Thanks for the picture!

I use a toothbrush to manually remove them then I spray it with oil + Garrett juice. I'm close to elimination.

However, there are ants moving up and down the tree. Are they related to the scale and if so, are they helping or hurting my fight?

Now if only I could only say the same for the euonymus scale I'm fighting as well...

I'm curious to see what the response is about the ants too.
As for the Euony...I gave up on those years ago and just yanked them out.

Ants are there because of the other pests. They often 'harvest' the liquid from the other pests. They do not harm the plants. Normally, if you see ants, you also have other bugs.

I knew they weren't a threat but was curious as to what role they were playing. Thanks for the info.

That bug definitely looks like a shield bug, aka stink bug. I would be well aware of these critters. You need to learn how to get rid of stink bugs. I would use pesticides or a vacuum. They work the best.