Coccus
Coccus
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hemiptera
- Suborder: Sternorrhyncha
- Superfamily: Coccoidea
- Family: Coccidae
- Genus: Coccus
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Coccus: //ˈkɒk.kəs//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Coccus is a genus of scale insects belonging to the family Coccidae. Some species are known to be significant pests in agricultural settings, feeding on plant sap and potentially harming crops.
Physical Characteristics
Body shape is generally oval to globular, depending on the species, can range in colors including white, yellow, and brown.
Identification Tips
Identified by their waxy coating and flat body, often observed clumped together on host plants.
Habitat
Typically found on the surface of leaves, stems, and fruits of plants, often in gardens and agricultural areas.
Distribution
Widely distributed in various regions, especially where host plants are grown.
Diet
Primarily feed on plant sap by inserting their mouthparts into the plant tissue.
Life Cycle
Undergoes complete metamorphosis with distinct egg, nymph, and adult stages.
Reproduction
Reproduces sexually, with females often giving live birth to nymphs.
Predators
Natural predators include ladybugs, lacewings, and other predatory insects.
Ecosystem Role
Plays a role in plant health; can be both beneficial and harmful depending on the context.
Economic Impact
Some species are serious agricultural pests, resulting in crop damage and economic loss.
Collecting Methods
- Handpicking
- Insecticidal traps
- Monitoring using sticky traps
Preservation Methods
- Drying
- Freezing
- Ethanol preservation
Misconceptions
Often mistaken for harmless insects, some Coccus species can cause significant agricultural damage.
Tags
- Scale insects
- Agricultural pests
- Coccoidea