Ant-mutualisms

Guides

• Toumeyella

  tortoise scales, pine tortoise scales

  Toumeyella is a genus of soft scale insects (family Coccidae) commonly known as tortoise scales. These sedentary, sap-feeding insects infest conifers and broadleaf trees, with females protected by a waxy, shell-like covering. Several species are significant forest and ornamental pests, including T. liriodendri (tuliptree scale) and T. pini (striped pine scale). The genus is characterized by phloem-feeding habits, honeydew production, and frequent mutualistic associations with ants.

  scale-insectssoft-scalesCoccidaeforest-pestsornamental-pestshoneydew-producersant-mutualismsbiological-controlinvasive-speciesphloem-feeders