Armored-scale
Guides
Adelencyrtus
Adelencyrtus is a genus of parasitic wasps in the family Encyrtidae, first described by Ashmead in 1900. The genus comprises species that are parasitoids of scale insects, particularly armored scales (Diaspididae). Members of this genus are small, typically 1-2 mm in length, with reduced wing venation characteristic of many Encyrtidae. The genus has a cosmopolitan distribution with records from North America, Asia, and other regions. Species of Adelencyrtus have been documented as important biological control agents against scale insect pests in agricultural and horticultural systems.
Aonidiella
Aonidiella is a genus of armored scale insects (family Diaspididae) containing approximately 30 described species. Several species, notably A. aurantii (California red scale) and A. citrina (yellow scale), are significant agricultural pests of citrus and other fruit crops. The genus exhibits a global distribution with highest diversity in tropical and subtropical regions where host plants occur.
Aonidiella aurantii
California red scale, red scale
Aonidiella aurantii, commonly known as California red scale or red scale, is an armored scale insect and major agricultural pest of citrus and other crops. Native to South China, it has spread globally through human-mediated transport of infected plant material, first appearing in California between 1868 and 1875. The species is now established across six continents and infests over 77 plant families, with citrus remaining its primary economic host. Heavy infestations cause fruit pitting, shoot distortion, leaf drop, and tree death.
Aspidiotus
Aspidiotus is a genus of armored scale insects (family Diaspididae) comprising over 100 described species. Several species are significant agricultural pests, notably Aspidiotus destructor (coconut scale) and Aspidiotus nerii (oleander scale), which infest palms, fruit crops, and ornamental plants across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. The genus is characterized by the hard, protective scale covering secreted by females. Species within Aspidiotus serve as hosts for specialized bacterial endosymbionts, particularly Candidatus Uzinura diaspidicola, which play roles in host nutrition and potentially influence invasive success.
Aulacaspis
Aulacaspis is a genus of armored scale insects in the family Diaspididae. These small, sap-sucking insects are characterized by their protective waxy coverings, called tests, which shield their soft bodies. The genus includes numerous species, some of which are significant agricultural and horticultural pests. The type species is Aulacaspis rosae. Several species have become invasive outside their native ranges, notably Aulacaspis yasumatsui, which has caused severe damage to cycad populations worldwide.
Carulaspis
Carulaspis is a genus of armored scale insects in the family Diaspididae, comprising six recognized species. The genus is associated with coniferous hosts in the orders Pinidae and Magnoliidae, particularly junipers (Juniperus spp.). Carulaspis juniperi is a documented pest causing significant damage to ornamental and landscape juniper plantings, including growth reduction, needle chlorosis, and branch death. Species occur in Europe and have been introduced to other regions including New Zealand.
Chionaspis
pine needle scale
Chionaspis is a genus of armored scale insects (family Diaspididae) that feed primarily on conifers, especially pines. The genus contains multiple species, including at least 10 cryptic species in the pine-feeding complex previously treated as two species (C. pinifoliae and C. heterophyllae). Species in this genus are economically significant pests of pine trees and Christmas tree plantations. Adult females are sedentary, covered by a hard waxy shield, and lack wings; males develop wings as adults.
Chrysomphalus
Chrysomphalus is a genus of armored scale insects in the family Diaspididae, containing approximately 17 described species. The genus includes several economically significant agricultural pests, notably Chrysomphalus aonidum (Florida red scale or Egyptian black scale) and Chrysomphalus dictyospermi (Spanish red scale), which infest citrus and other fruit crops worldwide. These sedentary insects possess protective waxy coverings and are targeted in integrated pest management programs using biological control agents including lady beetles and parasitoid wasps.
Chrysomphalus aonidum
Florida red scale, Egyptian black scale, circular black scale, citrus black scale
Chrysomphalus aonidum is an armored scale insect (Diaspididae) and a significant pest of citrus and other fruit trees. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions but has established populations across six continents. The species forms a hard, protective scale cover over its body while feeding on plant phloem. Population densities can reach economically damaging levels in citrus orchards, with infestations recorded on leaves and fruit. The species is subject to biological control by parasitoid wasps and predatory beetles.
Comperiella bifasciata
Comperiella bifasciata is a tiny parasitic wasp in the family Encyrtidae used extensively in biological control of armored scale insects on citrus. Two distinct biological races exist: a Japanese type that parasitizes yellow scale (Aonidiella citrina) and a Chinese type that parasitizes California red scale (Aonidiella aurantii). Despite being morphologically identical and capable of hybridizing in laboratory conditions, these races maintain separate identities in the field through natural selection against less fit hybrids. The species was first introduced to California in 1908 from Japan, but failed to establish on red scale due to a misidentification of its original host; successful establishment on red scale occurred only after subsequent introductions from China between 1947 and 1949.
Diaspidiotus
Diaspidiotus is a genus of armored scale insects (family Diaspididae) comprising over 80-90 described species with worldwide distribution. Species in this genus are phloem-feeding pests of deciduous trees and fruit crops, including economically important species such as the San José scale (D. perniciosus) and oystershell scale (D. ostreaeformis). These scales secrete a protective waxy covering (test) over their bodies and are frequently intercepted in agricultural quarantine due to their similarity to critical quarantine pests.
Diaspidiotus liquidambaris
Sweetgum Scale
Diaspidiotus liquidambaris is a scale insect in the family Diaspididae, commonly known as the Sweetgum Scale. It is a specialized feeder on sweetgum trees (Liquidambar styraciflua) and related species. As a member of the armored scales, it produces a protective waxy covering over its body. The species was first described by Kotinsky in 1903 under the basionym Chemnaspidiotus liquidambaris. It occurs in the United States, where it can be a minor pest of ornamental and forest trees.
Fiorinia
Fiorinia is a genus of armored scale insects (family Diaspididae) comprising approximately 70 species. The genus is characterized by pupillarial development, where the adult female remains enclosed within the second-instar exuviae. Species are predominantly distributed in tropical and subtropical Asia and the Pacific Islands, though several have become invasive pests globally through trade in ornamental plants. Notable invasive species include F. externa (elongate hemlock scale), F. fioriniae (palm fiorinia scale), F. phantasma (phantasma scale), and F. theae (tea scale).
Fiorinia externa
elongate hemlock scale
Fiorinia externa, the elongate hemlock scale, is an invasive armored scale insect native to Japan and southern China. Accidentally introduced to North America around 1908, it has become established throughout the northeastern United States and threatens hemlock (Tsuga) and related conifers. The species is a pupillarial scale, with adult females remaining within their second-instar exuviae. Heavy infestations cause yellowing, premature needle drop, branch dieback, and occasional tree death. It poses particular economic concern for Fraser fir Christmas tree production in the southeastern United States, where it can persist on harvested trees for up to 13 weeks post-harvest.
Fiorinia theae
tea scale
Fiorinia theae, known as the tea scale, is an armored scale insect native to Asia that has become an established pest in the Americas. It is polyphagous on woody plants, with primary hosts including tea (Camellia sinensis), ornamental camellias, and hollies (Ilex species). Heavy infestations cause leaf yellowing, premature defoliation, branch dieback, and plant death. The species is multivoltine in warmer climates, with overlapping generations and year-round activity in southern regions.
Kuwanaspis
Bamboo Thread Scales
Kuwanaspis is a genus of armored scale insects (family Diaspididae) known commonly as bamboo thread scales. The genus comprises approximately 20 species, with Kuwanaspis howardi being the most documented. These insects are specialized feeders on bamboo (Poaceae: Bambusoideae), particularly species in the genera Phyllostachys and Pleioblastus. They are recognized as economically significant pests in bamboo cultivation and serve as hosts for specialized entomopathogenic fungi.
Lepidosaphes
armored scale insects
Lepidosaphes is a large genus of armored scale insects (Diaspididae) with at least 190 described species distributed worldwide. Species in this genus are phytophagous pests of woody plants, particularly fruit trees and ornamentals. Several species, including L. beckii and L. ulmi, are significant agricultural pests. Members of this genus are hosts for various parasitoids, notably species of Aphytis (Aphelinidae), which are used in biological control programs.
Lepidosaphes ulmi
oystershell scale, apple mussel scale
Lepidosaphes ulmi, commonly known as the oystershell scale or apple mussel scale, is a widely distributed armored scale insect in the family Diaspididae. It is a significant pest of deciduous trees and woody plants, including major fruit crops such as apples, pears, plums, and peaches. The species causes damage by attaching to bark and sucking sap, potentially killing branches or entire trees under heavy infestation. It has been introduced to many regions worldwide beyond its native range and is considered invasive in numerous countries.
Lopholeucaspis
Lopholeucaspis is a genus of armored scale insects (Diaspididae) containing species that are invasive pests of woody plants. The most documented species, L. japonica, has established populations across Asia, Europe, Australia, and North America. These scales infest a broad range of hosts including citrus, pomegranate, crapemyrtle, privet, and euonymus. The genus is notable for its expanding global distribution and association with multiple parasitoid wasp species.
Pseudaonidia paeoniae
Peony Scale
Pseudaonidia paeoniae, commonly known as the Peony Scale, is a species of armored scale insect in the family Diaspididae. It is a specialized herbivore that feeds on peonies (Paeonia spp.), extracting plant fluids through piercing-sucking mouthparts. The species has been documented across multiple continents including Asia, Europe, and North America, likely distributed through the horticultural trade of its host plants. Like other armored scales, it produces a protective waxy covering (test) that shields the body from predators and environmental conditions.
Pseudaulacaspis cockerelli
false oleander scale, fullaway oleander scale, magnolia white scale, mango scale, oleander scale, oyster scale
Pseudaulacaspis cockerelli is an armored scale insect (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) commonly known as false oleander scale. It is a polyphagous pest with a broad global distribution spanning Europe, Asia, Africa, North America, Central America, the Caribbean, and Oceania. The species infests numerous ornamental and agricultural plants, with documented hosts including oleander (Nerium oleander), mango (Mangifera indica), magnolia, and various palms. As a member of the armored scales, it produces a protective waxy covering over its body while feeding on plant sap.
Quernaspis
Quernaspis is a genus of armored scale insects in the family Diaspididae, established by G.F. Ferris in 1937. The genus belongs to the economically important group of scale insects that feed on plant sap using piercing-sucking mouthparts. Species in this genus are characterized by their protective waxy coverings, which form a shield over the soft body. As with other diaspidids, they are likely associated with woody host plants, though specific host associations for the genus remain incompletely documented.
Quernaspis quercus
Oak Scale
Quernaspis quercus is a scale insect in the family Diaspididae, commonly known as the Oak Scale. It is a member of the armored scales, characterized by a protective waxy covering. The species is associated with oaks (Quercus spp.) as its host plants. It occurs in North America, with records from the United States and Mexico. As with other diaspidid scales, it is a plant-feeding insect that lives attached to host plant tissues.
Russellaspis
oleander pit scale, fig pit scale
Russellaspis is a genus of armored scale insects (Asterolecaniidae) known primarily from the species R. pustulans, commonly called the oleander pit scale or fig pit scale. These insects are parthenogenetic, with no known males, and are significant agricultural pests on fruit trees and ornamental plants in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. The genus is characterized by its pit-inducing feeding damage on host plants and its ability to complete multiple generations annually under favorable conditions.
Unaspis
Unaspis is a genus of armored scale insects (family Diaspididae) containing economically significant agricultural and horticultural pests. The genus includes at least 19 described species, with several species infesting citrus crops (U. citri, U. yanonensis) and ornamental plants (U. euonymi). Species in this genus are characterized by their protective waxy coverings and phytophagous feeding habits on host plant tissues.
Unaspis citri
Citrus Snow Scale, Orange Chionaspi, Orange Snow Scale, White Louse Scale, White Snow Scale
Unaspis citri is an armored scale insect (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) that infests citrus crops worldwide. The species forms dense colonies on bark, fruit, and leaves, causing direct damage through sap feeding and indirect harm by promoting sooty mold growth. It is economically significant in citrus-producing regions, particularly Florida, where management requires integrated approaches combining monitoring, biological control, and targeted chemical applications.