Armored Scale Insects

Diaspididae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Suborder: Sternorrhyncha
Superfamily: Coccoidea
Family: Diaspididae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Diaspididae: //ˌdaɪəˈspɪdɪdiː//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Fiorinia theae Zookey 2021 by Lyle Buss. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.

Fiorinia externa 5019025 by Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources - Forestry Archive,. Used under a CC BY 3.0 us license.

Cycad Aulacaspis scale (Aulacaspis yasumatsui) by Plant pests and diseases. Used under a CC0 license.

The Coccidae of California; a descriptive list of the different scale insects found in and reported from California (1906) (20635005726) by Carnes, Edward K;

California. State Horticultural Commission. Used under a No restrictions license.

Fiorinia externa 5019024 by Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources - Forestry Archive,. Used under a CC BY 3.0 us license.

Cycad Aulacaspis scale - 33708393355 by Plant pests and diseases. Used under a CC0 license.

Summary

Diaspididae, commonly known as armored scale insects, is the largest family of scale insects characterized by their robust waxy scales that provide protection as they feed on host plants.

Physical Characteristics

Females are small and soft-bodied, concealed under a substantial waxy scale made from wax, remnants of cast skins of earlier instars, and sometimes incorporating faecal matter and fragments of the host plant.

Identification Tips

The scale is usually free from the body of the insect and can persist long after the insect has died. Look for the armored structure resembling a suit of armor.

Habitat

Typically found on various host plants in terrestrial ecosystems.

Distribution

Worldwide, with over 2,700 species globally; in the local area, over 340 species are described.

Diet

Feeds on plant sap by inserting its mouthparts into plant tissue.

Life Cycle

Includes several nymphal instars, after which the female remains concealed beneath her scale as an adult.

Reproduction

The female produces a waxy protective scale under which she develops and feeds.

Ecosystem Role

Plays a role in plant health as herbivores; some species may be attended by ants.

Economic Impact

Can be significant in agricultural contexts as they vector diseases and harm host plants.

Collecting Methods

Manual collection from host plants
Use of sticky traps for monitoring infestation

Preservation Methods

Drying
Mounting on pins or slides

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Commonly thought to be separate from their scales; their significant scales are often mistaken as part of the plant.