Felt Scales
Eriococcidae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Hemiptera
- Suborder: Sternorrhyncha
- Superfamily: Coccoidea
- Family: Eriococcidae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Eriococcidae: /ˌɛri.oʊˈkɒksəˌdiː/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Eriococcidae, commonly known as felt scales, are a family of scale insects in the order Hemiptera characterized by their distinctive ovisacs and varied coloration. They have complex life cycles and are primarily herbivores that can be problematic as tree pests.
Physical Characteristics
Adult females produce a white, yellowish or gray membranous capsule or ovisac that encloses the pyriform (pear-shaped) body which varies in colour (pink, red, purple, green, or brown).
Identification Tips
Similar to pseudococcids, but body of immature stages is bare or only slightly covered with wax.
Habitat
On various hosts including trees, shrubs, and grasses, often located on most plant parts.
Distribution
Approximately 109 genera and 681 species recognized in 2023, specific to different plant hosts, primarily in North America and worldwide.
Diet
Herbivores, feeding on various plant materials.
Life Cycle
Adult females lay 50-100 eggs that hatch into first-instar nymphs; females typically go through three post-egg stages, while males have five post-egg stages, including prepupa and pupa stages within a felt sac.
Reproduction
Mating occurs after male nymphs search for adult females; females produce an ovisac containing eggs.
Ecosystem Role
Some species are known to induce galls on plants; act as pests on certain trees including elm and oak.
Economic Impact
Some species are significant pests on ornamental and timber trees in North America.
Evolution
Recent research indicates that Eriococcidae is not a single monophyletic group but an aggregation of several different groups, with the type genus, Eriococcus, being polyphyletic.
Similar Taxa
Tags
- Eriococcidae
- Felt Scales
- Hemiptera
- Scale Insects