Pseudococcidae

Definition

A family of scale insects (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Coccoidea) characterized by soft, unarmored bodies covered with powdery wax secretions; commonly known as mealybugs. Unlike armored scales (Diaspididae), they retain functional legs throughout life and often possess marginal wax filaments. The family comprises over 2,000 described species, many economically significant as pests of greenhouse crops, ornamentals, and subtropical agriculture, and as vectors of plant pathogens.

Etymology

From Pseudococcus (type genus, from Greek pseudes 'false' + coccus 'berry') + -idae (family suffix).

Example

The citrus mealybug Planococcus citri (Pseudococcidae) transmits the Closterovirus that causes citrus tristeza disease and is frequently tended by Argentine ants (Linepithema humile) that harvest its honeydew.

Synonyms

• mealybugs (common name)

Related Terms

• Coccoidea
• Diaspididae
• scale insects
• Sternorrhyncha
• honeydew
• ant-hemipteran mutualism
• Planococcus
• Pseudococcus

Usage Notes

Distinguished from armored scales (Diaspididae) by the absence of a hard protective test and from soft scales (Coccidae) by the presence of marginal wax filaments and more elongate body form. The family is sometimes grouped with other 'unarmored' scale families in the superfamily Coccoidea, though higher-level phylogeny remains under revision. Many species are parthenogenetic, with males often rare or unknown.