Margarodidae

Definition

A family of scale insects (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Coccoidea) commonly known as ground pearls, characterized by often subterranean nymphal stages and the production of waxy cysts or pearl-like coverings. The family has undergone substantial taxonomic revision, with several former subfamilies (including Matsucoccidae and Xylococcidae) elevated to family rank, leaving a monophyletic core group containing genera such as Margarodes, Porphyrophora, and Termitococcus.

Etymology

From Margarodes (type genus, from Greek margaron "pearl") + -idae (family suffix)

Example

The Polish cochineal (Porphyrophora polonica) and Armenian cochineal (Porphyrophora hamelii), historically important sources of red dye, are margarodids whose subterranean cysts were harvested from the roots of host plants.

Synonyms

• ground pearls (common name)

Related Terms

• Coccoidea
• scale insects
• Sternorrhyncha
• Matsucoccidae
• Xylococcidae
• Porphyrophora
• Margarodes
• cochineal

Usage Notes

The circumscription of Margarodidae has narrowed considerably since the 20th century; older literature may use the name more broadly to include taxa now placed in separate families. The common name "ground pearls" refers specifically to the cyst-like protective coverings of nymphs, not to adult females. Distinguish from Dactylopiidae, the family containing the true cochineal insect (Dactylopius coccus) used for carmine dye production.