Scale-insect
Guides
Acanthococcus
felt scales, bark scales
Acanthococcus is a genus of felt scales (family Eriococcidae), sap-feeding insects in the order Hemiptera. These small, sessile insects form white, felt-like coverings on host plant bark and are significant pests of ornamental and agricultural plants. The most economically important species is Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae (crapemyrtle bark scale), an invasive pest in the United States since 2004 that infests crapemyrtles and other plants. Acanthococcus species exhibit incomplete metamorphosis, with females producing ovisacs containing hundreds of eggs. Their feeding causes branch dieback, reduced flowering, and honeydew accumulation that supports sooty mold growth.
Acanthococcus azaleae
Azalea Bark Scale
Acanthococcus azaleae, commonly known as the azalea bark scale, is a felt scale insect in the family Eriococcidae. It is native to Asia and has been introduced to North America, Europe, and other regions through global trade. The species feeds on azaleas (Rhododendron spp.) and related ericaceous plants, forming white, felt-like coverings on bark. It was initially confused with the invasive crapemyrtle bark scale (Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae), which was first identified in Texas in 2004 and later determined to be a distinct species. The azalea bark scale produces honeydew that supports sooty mold growth and can cause branch dieback in heavy infestations.
Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae
crapemyrtle bark scale, CMBS
Acanthococcus lagerstroemiae, commonly called crapemyrtle bark scale or CMBS, is an invasive felt scale insect native to East Asia. First detected in the United States near Dallas, Texas in 2004, it has since spread to at least 17 states across the Southeast and Middle Atlantic regions. This phloem-feeding pest primarily infests crapemyrtles (Lagerstroemia spp.), forming distinctive white, felt-like coverings on trunks and branches. Heavy infestations cause branch dieback, reduce flowering, and promote black sooty mold growth through honeydew excretion. The scale has also been confirmed on alternative hosts including American beautyberry, pomegranate, apple, and spirea.
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.
Allokermes
oak kermes scales
Allokermes is a genus of gall-like kermes scale insects in the family Kermesidae, native to the United States and specialized on oak trees (Quercus spp.). Females are relatively large (4–5 mm), round, and mottled brown, while males are tiny (1 mm), white, and oval. The genus includes economically significant pests that cause branch dieback, reduced growth, and occasional tree mortality. At least two species are well-documented: A. kingii in the southeastern and eastern United States, and A. galliformis in the eastern United States and Colorado.
Amonostherium
Amonostherium is a genus of mealybugs (family Pseudococcidae) established by Morrison & Morrison in 1922. These insects are soft-bodied, sap-feeding scale insects characterized by waxy secretions that cover their bodies. The genus belongs to the diverse mealybug radiation within the Sternorrhyncha suborder. Available records indicate very few documented observations, suggesting either rarity, restricted distribution, or undercollection.
Amonostherium lichtensioides
Sagebrush mealybug
Amonostherium lichtensioides is a species of mealybug in the family Pseudococcidae, commonly known as the sagebrush mealybug. The species was described by Theodore Dru Alison Cockerell in 1897. It belongs to the genus Amonostherium, a group of scale insects within the order Hemiptera.
Antonina
Antonina is a genus of mealybugs (family Pseudococcidae) within the order Hemiptera. Members of this genus are scale insects that feed on plant sap. The genus is known to be parasitized by encyrtid wasps, including species in the genus Anagyrus. Antonina species are part of the diverse assemblage of mealybugs that inhabit various host plants across their geographic range.
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.
Cerococcus quercus
Oak Wax Scale
Cerococcus quercus is a scale insect in the family Cerococcidae, commonly known as the Oak Wax Scale. This species is associated with oak trees (Quercus spp.), as indicated by its specific epithet. Like other cerococcids, it produces a waxy covering for protection. The species was first described by Comstock in 1882 and is native to North America, with records from the United States.
Ceroplastes
wax scales
Ceroplastes is a genus of wax scales in the family Coccidae, comprising more than 130 described species. These insects are characterized by the conspicuous white, waxy coverings they secrete, which protect their soft bodies. Adults are largely sessile and feed on plant sap using piercing-sucking mouthparts. Many species are economically significant pests of ornamental plants, fruit trees, and shrubs. The genus exhibits parthenogenesis in many species, with females reproducing without males. Climate change has facilitated the northward expansion of several species from southern regions into previously cooler areas.
Ceroplastes cirripediformis
barnacle scale, barnacle wax scale
Ceroplastes cirripediformis, commonly known as the barnacle scale or barnacle wax scale, is a soft scale insect (Hemiptera: Coccidae) recognized for its distinctive waxy covering that resembles a small barnacle. It is a destructive invasive pest with a broad host range spanning numerous plant families. The species has expanded its range globally through human-mediated transport and climate change, with established populations across North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and Oceania. Females reproduce parthenogenetically, producing up to a thousand eggs annually without observed males in wild populations.
Ceroplastes rubens
red wax scale, pink wax scale, ruby wax scale
Ceroplastes rubens is a soft scale insect in the family Coccidae, commonly known as the red wax scale or pink wax scale. Native to Africa, it has become widely distributed across tropical and subtropical regions including Australia, Asia, and the Pacific Islands. The species is highly polyphagous, feeding on sap from over 193 plant genera in 84 families, with significant economic impact on citrus, mango, avocado, and ornamental plants. Adult females are covered in a distinctive hard, pink to pale red wax covering approximately 3-4 mm in diameter. Reproduction is primarily parthenogenetic, with 1-2 generations per year depending on climate.
Ceroplastes rusci
Fig Wax Scale
Ceroplastes rusci, commonly known as the fig wax scale, is a soft scale insect (family Coccidae) native to the Mediterranean region. First discovered in Florida in 1994-1995, it has since spread to numerous countries across six continents and is recognized as a significant agricultural and forestry pest. The species feeds on more than 94 genera from 52 plant families, with notable impacts on figs, citrus, grapes, and ornamental plants. Climate change modeling predicts expanding suitable habitat ranges through 2100, increasing its invasive potential in temperate regions.
Ceroplastes sinensis
Chinese Wax Scale
Ceroplastes sinensis is a cosmopolitan scale insect pest of commercial citrus and other woody plants. Native to Central or South America based on cladistic analysis, it has established populations across temperate regions including Australia, New Zealand, Mediterranean Europe, North America, and parts of Asia. The species produces a distinctive waxy covering and completes a single annual generation in temperate climates. It has become a significant agricultural pest, particularly in citrus groves, prompting development of integrated pest management sampling protocols and biological control efforts.
Cheiloneurus
parasitic wasp
Cheiloneurus is a genus of parasitic wasps in the family Encyrtidae. Species within this genus function primarily as hyperparasitoids, attacking other parasitoid wasps that develop within scale insects, mealybugs, and other hemipteran hosts. The genus is characterized by distinctive morphological features including a group of coarse bristles at the apex of the scutellum and a long marginal vein on the fore wings. Cheiloneurus species have been recorded from multiple continents including Asia, Europe, North America, and South America, with some species being utilized or studied for biological control applications.
Chilocorus cacti
cactus lady beetle, twice-stabbed cactus lady beetle
Chilocorus cacti is a small predatory lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae, native to the New World and introduced to several regions including South Africa, India, and New Zealand. Both adults and larvae are specialized predators of scale insects, with documented consumption of numerous agricultural pest species. The species has been evaluated for biological control programs with variable success. Its common name derives from its frequent association with prickly pear cacti and the distinctive two reddish-brown spots on its otherwise black elytra.
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.
Coccophagus lycimnia
Coccophagus lycimnia is a minute parasitoid wasp in the family Aphelinidae, widely used as a biological control agent against soft scale insects (Coccidae: Hemiptera). The species exhibits host-size dependent oviposition behavior, preferentially parasitizing second-instar scale insects while avoiding larger hosts due to defensive reactions. It has been documented attacking multiple economically important scale pests including Coccus hesperidum (brown soft scale), Parthenolecanium spp., Sphaerolecanium prunastri, and Parasaissetia nigra, with particular significance in citrus and agricultural systems.
Coccus hesperidum
brown soft scale
Coccus hesperidum, commonly known as the brown soft scale, is a polyphagous soft scale insect with a cosmopolitan distribution. It is a significant agricultural pest of citrus and greenhouse crops, feeding on plant phloem sap and excreting honeydew that promotes sooty mold growth. The species reproduces primarily through parthenogenesis, with females producing live young. It serves as host to numerous parasitoid wasps, which are important biological control agents.
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.
Crypticerya
fluted scales, channeled mealybugs
Crypticerya is a genus of giant scale insects in the family Monophlebidae, comprising 28 described species as of 2024. All species are native to the Americas. The genus was established by Cockerell in 1895 as a subgenus of Icerya, elevated to genus rank in 1899, synonymized in 1926, and revived in 2008. Species in this genus are commonly known as "fluted scales" or "channeled mealybugs" due to the longitudinal grooves or channels present on the ovisacs of species that produce them. Many species are significant agricultural and urban pests.
Crypticerya genistae
Genista Giant Scale Insect, fluted scale, channeled mealybug
Crypticerya genistae is a giant scale insect in the tribe Iceryini, native to South America and accidentally introduced to Florida by 2005, the Cayman Islands by 2006, Ecuador, and Peru. Adult females produce a distinctive large white fluted ovisac measuring 17–19 mm. The species has been recorded on at least eleven host plant species, primarily in the family Fabaceae, and appears to prefer herbaceous plants and shrubs over trees. It is considered an invasive pest in urban green areas and poses potential phytosanitary risks to agricultural crops including Cajanus cajan (pigeon pea).
Crypticerya townsendi
Townsend's giant scale bug
Crypticerya townsendi is a species of giant scale insect in the family Monophlebidae (sometimes historically placed in Margarodidae). It was originally described by Cockerell in 1899 and is currently considered a synonym of Steatococcus townsendi in some taxonomic treatments, though it remains listed under Crypticerya in other sources including iNaturalist and NCBI. The species is known from the United States and belongs to a group of large, often conspicuous scale insects commonly referred to as 'giant scale bugs.'
Cryptococcus fagisuga
beech scale, woolly beech scale
Cryptococcus fagisuga is a felted scale insect and the initiating agent of beech bark disease, a complex disease affecting beech trees (Fagus spp.). Native to Europe, it was introduced to North America around 1890 and has since spread throughout the range of American beech. The insect feeds on phloem sap by inserting stylets into bark tissue, creating wounds that enable secondary infection by pathogenic Neonectria fungi. The combined damage from scale feeding and fungal cankers can girdle and kill trees over several years.
Dactylopius confusus
American cochineal bug
A scale insect in the family Dactylopiidae, commonly known as the American cochineal bug. The species has been studied for its hemolymph lipoproteins, which share functional similarities with insect lipophorins. It is one of several cochineal species historically exploited for carmine dye production.
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.
Discodes
Discodes is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Encyrtidae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea). Species in this genus are known as parasitoids of scale insects (Coccoidea), with documented host associations including Sphaerolecanium prunastri, the globose scale insect. The genus was established by Foerster in 1856 and contains multiple described species distributed across several continents.
Dysmicoccus
mealybugs
Dysmicoccus is a genus of mealybugs in the family Pseudococcidae containing at least 110 described species. These soft-bodied scale insects are characterized by white, powdery wax secretions covering their bodies. Several species are economically significant agricultural pests, particularly of pineapple, sugarcane, and other tropical crops. Some species vector plant diseases, including pineapple wilt. The genus has a pantropical distribution with several species introduced to Florida and other regions as invasive pests.
Dysmicoccus wistariae
Taxus Mealybug
Dysmicoccus wistariae is a mealybug species in the family Pseudococcidae, originally described as Pseudococcus wistariae by Green in 1923. It is known by the common name "Taxus Mealybug" and has been recorded from multiple countries across North America, Asia, and Oceania. The species is part of the diverse mealybug fauna that includes approximately 2,000 species globally. Like other mealybugs, it is a soft-bodied scale insect with a waxy covering.
Encarsia
Encarsia is a large genus of minute parasitic wasps in the family Aphelinidae, comprising approximately 400–473 described species with worldwide distribution. The genus exhibits complex morphological variation that complicates species-level identification. Many species are economically important biological control agents used in greenhouse and agricultural settings against whiteflies and scale insects.
Encarsia citrina
Encarsia citrina is a minute parasitoid wasp in the family Aphelinidae that serves as an important biological control agent of armored scale insects. The species attacks multiple scale hosts including euonymus scale (Unaspis euonymi), greedy scale (Hemiberlesia rapax), and Fiorinia externa. Research has demonstrated that pesticide applications can significantly reduce parasitoid populations and disrupt biological control services. The species exhibits temperature-dependent searching efficiency and host age preference in its foraging behavior.
Eriococcus
felt scales, bark scales
Eriococcus is a genus of felt scales (bark scales) in the family Eriococcidae, order Hemiptera. These insects are characterized by producing white, felt-like waxy coverings over their bodies. Some species, such as Eriococcus lagerstroemiae (crapemyrtle bark scale), are significant invasive pests of ornamental plants, while others like E. spurius damage American elm trees. The taxonomy of Eriococcidae remains debated, with some authorities placing these species in Acanthococcidae.
Eucalymnatus
tessellated scale
Eucalymnatus is a genus of soft scale insects in the family Coccidae. The best-known species, Eucalymnatus tessellatus, is native to South America and has spread to tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Species in this genus are phytophagous and can become significant pests of ornamental plants, fruit trees, and palms in nurseries and landscapes.
Eucalymnatus tessellatus
Tessellated scale, Palm scale
Eucalymnatus tessellatus, commonly known as the tessellated scale or palm scale, is a soft scale insect (family Coccidae) native to South America. First described by Signoret in 1873 from specimens collected on a palm in France, this species has been disseminated worldwide through human activity on cultivated hosts. It is recognized as a pest in greenhouses, commercial nurseries, and landscapes—particularly in subtropical regions such as south Florida. The species belongs to a genus containing 17 species, most of which are neotropical in origin.
Euclemensia schwarziella
A small moth in the family Cosmopterigidae, described by August Busck in 1900 (published 1901). The species is known from Arizona and Texas. Its larvae are parasitoids of scale insects in the genera Kermes and Allokermes, making it one of relatively few moths with this specialized ecological strategy.
Eulecanium kunoense
kuno scale
Eulecanium kunoense, commonly known as kuno scale, is a soft scale insect in the family Coccidae. It is native to East Asia and has been introduced to North America, where it has become established in the United States. The species is known to infest various woody plants and has been documented as a pest of agricultural and ornamental significance.
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.
Icerya
Cushion Scale Insects
Icerya is a genus of scale insects in the family Monophlebidae, notable for containing some of the few hermaphroditic insects known to science. The genus includes approximately 50 described species distributed worldwide, with several species being significant agricultural pests. The most economically important species is Icerya purchasi (cottony cushion scale), native to Australia but now cosmopolitan in distribution, which has caused severe damage to citrus crops globally. Several Icerya species exhibit androdioecy—a rare mating system where hermaphrodites and males coexist—with hermaphrodites possessing ovotestes and reproducing primarily through self-fertilization. This reproductive strategy, combined with the sessile nature of adult females, contributes to their invasive potential. The genus is named after physician-naturalist Dr. Edmond Icery of British Mauritius.
Icerya purchasi
cottony cushion scale, fluted scale, cochinilla australiana
Icerya purchasi is a scale insect native to Australia that has become a globally distributed pest of citrus and ornamental plants. The species is notable for its distinctive reproductive system: most individuals are hermaphrodites capable of self-fertilization, with rare males enabling occasional outbreeding. Adult females are sessile and produce large white fluted egg sacs that can exceed twice the body length. The species achieved historical significance as the target of one of the first successful biological control programs, using the vedalia beetle (Novius cardinalis) in California in 1888–1889.
Kuwania raygilli
Oak Red Scale Insect
Kuwania raygilli is a scale insect in the family Kuwaniidae, described in 2013 from North American material. It is known by the common name Oak Red Scale Insect. The species belongs to a small family of armored scale relatives with distinctive morphological features. Very few observations exist in public databases.
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.
Leptoglossus
leaf-footed bugs
Leptoglossus is a genus of true bugs in the leaf-footed bug family Coreidae, tribe Anisoscelini. Species are characterized by leaflike dilations of the hind tibia, a diagnostic trait of the genus. The genus is distributed throughout the Americas, with some introduced populations in Europe and Asia. Several species are economically significant agricultural pests, notably L. occidentalis, which has become invasive in multiple continents.
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nchanmoss-bugarchaeorrhynchanfulgoromorphancicadomorphanmembracoidtreehopperleafhopperplanthopperpsyllidjumping-plant-lousewhiteflyaleyrodidscale-insectcoccoidmealybugaphidadelgidphylloxeransternorrhynchanthysanopteranthripspsocopteranbarklousebooklousephthirapteranlousesucking-lousechewing-lousemallophagananoplurandermapteranearwigblattodeancockroachtermiteisopteranmantodeanmantidphasmidstick-insectleaf-insectorthopterangrasshopperlocustkatydidcricketmole-cricketpygmy-mole-cricketcamel-cricketcave-cricketwetaensiferancaeliferangryllotalpidmyrmecophilidtettigoniidgryllidacrididpamphagidpneumoridlentulidtristirideumastacidproscopiidtridactylidtetrigidgrouse-locustpygmy-grasshopperplecopteranstoneflyembiopteranwebspinnerzorapteranangel-insectdictyopteranLopholeucaspis
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.
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.
Matsucoccus
Matsucoccus is a genus of scale insects in the family Matsucoccidae, specialized feeders on conifers of the genus Pinus. Species within this genus exhibit pronounced sexual dimorphism: females are sessile, often concealed under waxy coverings, while males develop wings as adults and are active fliers. Several species are significant forest pests, capable of causing needle yellowing, premature needle drop, shoot desiccation, and tree mortality in heavy infestations. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision, with some species historically placed in Margarodidae and ongoing uncertainty regarding species boundaries.
Matsucoccus acalyptus
Pinyon Needle Scale, pinyon pine scale
Matsucoccus acalyptus is a univoltine scale insect specialized on pinyon pine (Pinus edulis). Males are winged and appear in early spring, while females are sessile and legless, remaining under bark scales. The species has a complex life cycle involving seasonal migrations between needles and bark, with heavy infestations capable of weakening host trees and predisposing them to beetle attack.