Diaspididae
Guides
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.
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.
Aspidiotus destructor
coconut scale, transparent scale, Bourbon scale
Aspidiotus destructor is an armored scale insect (Hemiptera: Diaspididae) known as the coconut scale. It is a globally distributed pest of tropical and subtropical agriculture, causing significant damage to coconut, banana, and numerous other fruit and ornamental plants. The species is notable for its rapid reproduction and the protective waxy test that covers most life stages. It has been the target of extensive biological control efforts, most famously the successful introduction of the lady beetle Cryptognatha nodiceps to Guam in the early 1900s. The species harbors a primary bacterial endosymbiont, Candidatus Uzinura diaspidicola, which may play a role in its biology and potential management.
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.
Aulacaspis yasumatsui
cycad aulacaspis scale, cycad scale, sago palm scale, Asian cycad scale
Aulacaspis yasumatsui is a highly destructive armored scale insect native to Southeast Asia that has become a globally invasive pest of cycads. First described from Thailand in 1977, it was detected in Florida in 1996 and has since spread to numerous countries across six continents, causing widespread mortality of ornamental and native cycad populations. The species exhibits extreme sexual dimorphism in body form and produces multiple generations annually in warm climates, with populations capable of reaching densities that completely encrust host fronds and ultimately kill the plant through depletion of photosynthetic tissue and nonstructural carbohydrates.
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.
Coccobius
Coccobius is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Aphelinidae, specialized as parasitoids of armored scale insects (Diaspididae). Species in this genus have been widely used as biological control agents against economically important scale pests on crops including citrus and pine. The genus exhibits weak dispersal ability, with documented dispersal rates of approximately 200 meters per year. Multiple species have been intentionally introduced across Asia, North America, and other regions for classical biological control programs.
Comperiella
Comperiella is a genus of parasitic wasps in the family Encyrtidae, containing approximately 10 species. Species in this genus are internal parasitoids of armored scale insects (Diaspididae), with documented hosts including Aonidiella aurantii, A. citrina, A. orientalis, Aspidiotus rigidus, and Chrysomphalus ficus. Several species have been employed or studied as biological control agents against agricultural pests, particularly in citrus and coconut production systems. The genus was established by Howard in 1906.
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).
Habrolepis
Habrolepis is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Encyrtidae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea). Species in this genus are endoparasitoids of armored scale insects (family Diaspididae). The genus was established by Foerster in 1856. Documented species include H. rouxi and H. diaspidi, both associated with diaspidid scale hosts. These wasps have been studied for their potential as biological control agents against agricultural pest scales.
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.
Lopholeucaspis japonica
Japanese maple scale
Lopholeucaspis japonica is an invasive scale insect in the family Diaspididae, first described by Cockerell in 1897. Native to Asia, it has established populations across multiple continents including North America, Europe, and Australia. The species feeds on woody plants and has been documented on diverse hosts including crapemyrtle, pomegranate, citrus, and various ornamental shrubs. Its invasion has prompted detection efforts and biological control research, particularly regarding associated parasitoid wasps.
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.
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 euonymi
Euonymus Scale
Unaspis euonymi is a diaspidid scale insect native to East Asia and now widespread as an invasive pest. It infests Euonymus species and several other ornamental plants, causing significant damage in urban and suburban landscapes. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism in both morphology and feeding behavior. It has been extensively studied as a target for classical biological control using introduced and native natural enemies.