Giant mealybugs

Definition

A family of large-bodied scale insects (Putoidae) in the superfamily Coccoidea, distinguished from typical mealybugs (Pseudococcidae) by their greater size, more elongate body form, and reduced wax secretion. Adults often retain visible segmentation and may possess well-developed legs in females, traits uncommon among most scale insects.

Etymology

Common name refers to their notably larger body size compared to other mealybug families; family name Putoidae derived from genus Puto.

Example

Puto yuccae, the yucca giant mealybug, reaches 15 mm in length—several times the size of common greenhouse mealybugs—and retains functional legs in adult females, allowing limited mobility uncommon among sedentary scale insects.

Synonyms

• Putoidae

Related Terms

• Mealybugs
• scale insects
• Pseudococcidae
• Coccoidea
• wax secretion
• Parthenogenesis
• plant pests

Usage Notes

Despite the common name, Putoidae are not merely oversized Pseudococcidae but a distinct family with separate evolutionary origins. The term 'giant mealybug' is sometimes applied loosely to any unusually large mealybug specimen, but technically refers only to Putoidae. Distinguishing features include larger size, more pronounced body segmentation, and often reduced ovisac construction compared to true mealybugs.