Micrococcidae

Definition

A family of scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) commonly known as Mediterranean scales, comprising two genera and eight described species. Members are restricted to the Mediterranean region, with records from Cyprus, Italy, Egypt, France, Greece, Israel, Lebanon, Libya, Syria, and Turkey. Like other Coccoidea, they are sessile, sap-feeding pests with reduced morphological complexity in adult females.

Etymology

From Greek mikros (small) + kokkos (berry/seed), referring to the tiny, rounded scale coverings typical of the family.

Example

Micrococcus species in this family produce waxy coverings on host plants and are monitored in Mediterranean agricultural quarantine programs alongside other Coccoidea such as Diaspididae.

Synonyms

• Mediterranean scales

Related Terms

• Coccoidea
• Hemiptera
• scale insect
• Diaspididae
• Pseudococcidae
• sap-feeding insect
• quarantine pest

Usage Notes

Micrococcidae represents a small, geographically restricted family within the diverse superfamily Coccoidea. The common name 'Mediterranean scales' reflects its endemic distribution; this is not a cosmopolitan pest group. Specialists distinguish Micrococcidae from the larger, more economically significant families Diaspididae (armored scales) and Pseudococcidae (mealybugs) by morphological details of the adult female and the structure of the scale covering. The family's limited species diversity and restricted range make it of minor agricultural importance compared to other scale insect families, though it figures in regional biodiversity surveys and phytosanitary inspections.