Scale-insects
Guides
Aclerda
flat grass scales
Aclerda is a genus of scale insects (family Aclerdidae) commonly known as flat grass scales. Species in this genus are legless as adults, with strongly reduced 1-segmented antennae and a unique anal apparatus. They inhabit leaf sheaths of grasses in hot, dry regions. The genus includes both sexually and parthenogenetically reproducing species, with unusual cytogenetic systems including heterochromatinization of one haploid chromosome set in males of some species.
Aclerdidae
Aclerdid Scales, Flat Grass Scales
Aclerdidae is a family of scale insects (superfamily Coccoidea) comprising five genera and approximately 58 species. Members are specialized herbivores primarily associated with grasses (Poaceae), where they inhabit leaf sheaths and feed on plant sap. The family exhibits highly derived morphology including leglessness, reduced antennae, and unique anal apparatus. Several species have become economically significant as pests of agricultural and wetland grasses, including the invasive roseau cane scale (Nipponaclerda biwakoensis) in North America and Aclerda takahashii on sugarcane.
Asterolecaniidae
pit scales, asterolecaniids
Asterolecaniidae is a family of scale insects commonly known as pit scales. They are characterized by inducing depressions or pits in host plant tissues, often causing shoot distortion. The family contains approximately 25 genera and 243 described species, with greatest diversity in the northern hemisphere. Many species are associated with oaks, bamboos, and ornamental plants, and some form galls.
Azotidae
Azotidae is a small family of chalcidoid wasps containing a single genus, Ablerus Howard, 1894, with approximately 92–94 described species. The family was elevated from subfamily status within Aphelinidae in 1966 and is now recognized as a distinct family in Chalcidoidea. Azotidae are obligate hyperparasitoids that attack primary parasitoids of hemipteran pests, particularly those associated with scale insects (Diaspididae), whiteflies (Aleyrodidae), and mealybugs. Their biology makes them significant tertiary consumers in agricultural food webs.
Cerococcidae
ornate pit scales, cerococcids, false pit scales
Cerococcidae is a family of scale insects (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha) commonly known as ornate pit scales or false pit scales. The family comprises approximately 80 species in five genera: Antecerococcus, Asterococcus, Cerochiton, Cerococcus, and Solenophora. Adult females produce distinctive protective waxy tests that vary in color from creamy or brown to orange, yellow, red, pink, or white. The family exhibits sexual dimorphism in test morphology and instar development, with males possessing smaller, narrower tests than females.
Cerococcus
ornate pit scales
Cerococcus is a genus of scale insects in the family Cerococcidae, commonly known as ornate pit scales. These insects are characterized by their distinctive waxy coverings and association with plant hosts. The genus was established by Comstock in 1882 and contains species found primarily in the Americas. Members of this genus are part of the diverse assemblage of Coccoidea, the superfamily of scale insects.
Chilocorinae
Scale-feeding Lady Beetles
Chilocorinae are a subfamily of lady beetles (Coccinellidae) commonly known as scale-feeding lady beetles. They are specialized predators of scale insects, though some species have been observed feeding on cowpea aphids. Members are typically medium-sized with shiny, often unmarked elytra and rounded, helmet-shaped bodies. They exhibit defensive reflex bleeding when disturbed and may form winter aggregations.
Coccidae
soft scales, wax scales, tortoise scales
Coccidae is a family of scale insects in the superfamily Coccoidea, commonly known as soft scales, wax scales, or tortoise scales. The family contains over 1,100 species in 171 genera worldwide. Females are typically flat with elongated oval bodies and smooth integument often covered with wax; they may possess legs in some genera but not in others. Males may be winged or wingless. Coccidae are distinguished from armored scales (Diaspididae) by their soft, waxy covering rather than a hard, separable scale. Many species are economically important agricultural and horticultural pests.
Dactylopiidae
Cochineal Insects
Dactylopiidae is a family of scale insects (Hemiptera) comprising the single genus Dactylopius, commonly known as cochineal insects. These insects are economically and historically significant as the primary source of carmine, a vibrant red dye derived from carminic acid that the insects produce as a defensive compound. The family has been used for dye production since at least the 10th century in the Americas and became the second most valuable export from the New World during the Colonial Period. Some species serve as biological control agents for invasive cacti, while others are agricultural pests of cactus crops.
Diaspididae
Armored Scale Insects, Armored Scales, Hard Scales
Diaspididae is the largest family of scale insects, comprising over 2,650 described species in approximately 400 genera. Members are commonly known as armored scale insects due to their distinctive protective covering, which incorporates exuviae from the first two nymphal instars, sometimes with fecal matter and host plant fragments. The female remains permanently beneath this armor, feeding on host plant tissues through piercing-sucking mouthparts. The family includes numerous economically significant pests such as the California red scale (Aonidiella aurantii), San Jose scale (Diaspidiotus perniciosus), and gloomy scale (Melanaspis tenebricosa), which damage crops, ornamentals, and forest trees worldwide.
Encyrtus
Encyrtus is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Encyrtidae, containing approximately 96 described species. These small chalcidoid wasps are specialized parasitoids of soft scale insects (Coccidae), playing important roles in regulating scale populations in both natural and urban ecosystems. Several species have been studied for their potential use in biological control of scale insect pests.
Eriococcidae
Felt Scales, Eriococcids, Bark Scales
Eriococcidae is a family of scale insects in the order Hemiptera, commonly known as felt scales or eriococcids. As of 2023, the family comprises 109 genera and 681 species. Members are phloem-feeding herbivores typically associated with specific plant hosts. The family is not monophyletic; recent ribosomal DNA research indicates it represents an aggregation of several distinct evolutionary lineages, with morphologically similar species sometimes being distantly related. Many species produce distinctive waxy ovisacs or induce galls on host plants.
Gossyparia
Gossyparia is a genus of scale insects in the family Eriococcidae, established by Signoret in 1875. The genus contains species associated with woody plants, including Gossyparia spuria, which has been studied for its parasitoid complex in Turkey. Taxonomic status of the genus is currently marked as doubtful in some databases, reflecting ongoing classification uncertainty within the Eriococcidae.
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.
Insignorthezia
Insignorthezia is a genus of scale insects in the family Ortheziidae, established by Kozár in 2004. Members of this genus are part of the diverse assemblage of ensign scales, characterized by their protective waxy coverings and association with host plants. The genus is known from multiple observations on iNaturalist, suggesting established populations in various regions, though specific ecological details remain limited in published literature.
Kerriidae
Lac insects, Lac scales
Kerriidae is a family of scale insects in the order Hemiptera, commonly known as lac insects or lac scales. Members secrete a protective waxy resin called lac, which is commercially harvested and processed into shellac, dyes, food glazes, and wood finishes. The family includes economically important genera such as Kerria, Tachardina, and Paratachardina, with Kerria lacca being the most widely cultivated species for lac production. Some species have become invasive pests outside their native ranges, while others are valued for their role in sustainable agroecosystems.
Kuwania
Kuwania is a genus of scale insects in the family Kuwaniidae (sometimes historically placed in Margarodidae). The genus was established by Cockerell in 1903. Scale insects in this group are characterized by reduced morphology in adult females, often appearing as immobile, waxy coverings on host plants. The family Kuwaniidae is considered a distinct lineage within the Coccoidea, though its taxonomic placement has been subject to revision.
Kuwaniidae
Kuwaniidae is a small family of scale insects within the order Hemiptera, first described by MacGillivray in 1921. The family comprises approximately 14 described species distributed across four genera: Kuwania, Neogreenia, Neosteingelia, and the extinct genus Hoffeinsia. Members of this family are classified within the superfamily Coccoidea, which includes all scale insects and mealybugs. Kuwaniidae represents one of the lesser-known families of scale insects, with limited biological and ecological documentation available.
Laetilia
Scale-eating Moths
Laetilia is a genus of snout moths in the family Pyralidae, subfamily Phycitinae, described by Émile Louis Ragonot in 1889. The genus contains approximately 16 described species distributed across North America and other regions. Laetilia species are notable for their entomophagous lifestyle, with larvae feeding primarily on scale insects (Coccoidea), a trait that has earned them the common name "Scale-eating Moths." This specialized predatory behavior makes them of interest for biological control of scale insect pests.
Laetilia dilatifasciella
Western Scale-feeding Snout
Laetilia dilatifasciella is a small snout moth (Pyralidae) native to the southwestern United States. Adults have forewings 6–8 mm in length and are active in spring and late summer through fall. The species is notable for its predatory larvae that feed on scale insects, making it one of relatively few moth species with carnivorous immature stages.
Lecanodiaspididae
false pit scales, lecanodiaspidids
Lecanodiaspididae is a family of scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccoidea) commonly known as false pit scales. Members are found worldwide but are most diverse in the Far East. The family comprises approximately 12 described genera including Lecanodiaspis, Anomalococcus, and Pterococcus. These insects are phloem-feeders that develop waxy, protective coverings over their bodies.
Luzulaspis
Luzulaspis is a genus of soft scale insects (family Coccidae) established by Targioni Tozzetti in 1868. The genus contains at least two described species: Luzulaspis americana, described from North America, and Luzulaspis bisetosa, described from Europe. These scale insects are found in temperate regions of Europe and North America. Very few observations exist in public databases, suggesting either rarity or undercollection.
Margarodes
Cyst-forming Coccids, Ground Pearls
Margarodes is a genus of scale insects in the family Margarodidae, commonly known as "ground pearls" for the waxy, pearl-like cysts formed by immature stages in soil. The genus was erected in 1828 by Lansdown Guilding based on specimens found in soil on the Bahamas associated with ants. Members of this genus are subterranean for much of their life cycle, feeding on plant roots. The type species is Margarodes formicarum.
Margarodidae
ground pearls, cottony cushion scales, giant coccids, giant scale insects
Margarodidae, commonly known as ground pearls or cottony cushion scales, is a family of scale insects within the superfamily Coccoidea. The family has undergone significant taxonomic revision, with many former subfamilies (including Monophlebidae, Matsucoccidae, Xylococcidae, and others) now elevated to family status. The current Margarodidae sensu stricto is monophyletic and includes genera such as Margarodes, Porphyrophora, and Eurhizococcus. Members exhibit diverse life histories, with some species being subterranean root feeders and others above-ground foliar feeders. Several species are economically important as agricultural pests or historically as sources of natural dyes.
Matsucoccidae
pine bast scales, pine needle scales
Matsucoccidae is a family of scale insects (Hemiptera) comprising over 40 described species in at least 2 genera. The family was historically classified within Margarodidae but was elevated to family status based on distinct morphological and biological characteristics. Members are specialized feeders on conifers in the genus Pinus, with several species serving as economically significant forest pests. The family exhibits complex life cycles involving winged males and sessile females, and produces sex pheromones that function as kairomones attracting diverse predatory insects.
Microterys
Microterys is a large genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Encyrtidae (Chalcidoidea), with its center of distribution in the northern parts of the Northern Hemisphere. Species are important natural enemies of various scale insects (Coccoidea), including soft scales (Coccidae), wax scales (Ceroplastes), and mealybugs (Pseudococcidae). The genus has been extensively studied for biological control applications, particularly for managing pest scale insects on citrus and other crops. Several species have been introduced to new regions as biocontrol agents, including Microterys flavus in California.
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giant scales, monophlebids
Monophlebidae is a family of scale insects commonly known as giant scales or monophlebids. The family was first recognized as separate from Margarodidae by Maskell in 1880 based on morphological differences. Members are characterized by large body size among scale insects, with some species reaching 35 mm in length. The family is morphologically diverse but appears to be monophyletic. Many species are economically significant agricultural pests, particularly of woody plants including citrus.
Newsteadia
ensign scale insects
Newsteadia is a genus of ensign scale insects in the family Ortheziidae. Species are minute, typically measuring under two millimeters in length. Most species inhabit leaf litter, though some have been recorded from plant roots. The genus contains approximately 48 described species distributed across multiple continents.
Nipponorthezia
Nipponorthezia is a genus of scale insects in the family Ortheziidae, established by Kuwana in 1916. Members of this genus are part of the diverse group of scale insects within the order Hemiptera, characterized by their protective waxy coverings. The genus is native to East Asia, with records primarily from Japan. As with other ortheziid scale insects, species in this genus likely possess a protective ovisac for egg-laying females.
Ortheziidae
ensign scales, ortheziids
Ortheziidae is a family of scale insects (Hemiptera) commonly known as ensign scales, comprising 20 genera and 198 species. The family has a cosmopolitan distribution with species richness concentrated in the Neotropical and Nearctic regions; representation is sparse in Australasia and the Far East. Members are distinguished by their mobile adult females, six legs, and prominent waxy secretions. Several species are economically significant agricultural pests.
Ovaticoccus
Ovaticoccus is a genus of eriococcid scale insects in the family Eriococcidae. At least one species, Ovaticoccus amplicoxae from Belize, has been described with notably enlarged hind coxae. Some species in this genus induce leaf-curl galls on host plants.
Pelecinobaccha costata
Cobalt Hover Fly
Pelecinobaccha costata, commonly known as the cobalt hover fly, is a North American hoverfly in the family Syrphidae. The species is recognized by its distinctive coloration and is distributed across southern Ontario and the eastern United States. Its larvae are specialized predators of scale insects, making it a beneficial species in agricultural and natural ecosystems.
Pityococcidae
Pityococcidae is a small family of scale insects within the order Hemiptera, established by McKenzie in 1942. The family comprises at least three genera—Desmococcus, Pityococcus, and the extinct Cancerococcus—with approximately eight described extant species. Members are classified within the superfamily Coccoidea (scale insects and mealybugs) and share the piercing-sucking mouthparts characteristic of Sternorrhyncha. The family remains poorly studied, with limited ecological and biological data available for most species.
Prococcus
Prococcus is a genus of scale insects in the family Coccidae, established by Avasthi in 1993. Members are soft scales (Coccidae), a group of plant-feeding Hemipterans that produce waxy coverings and often exhibit reduced mobility in adult females. The genus is part of the diverse Coccidae family, which includes numerous economically significant agricultural pests. Information specific to Prococcus beyond its taxonomic placement remains limited in published literature.
Pulvinaria
cottony cushion scales, soft scales
Pulvinaria is a genus of soft scale insects (family Coccidae) characterized by females that produce conspicuous cottony or flocculent wax ovisacs to protect their eggs. The genus includes economically significant agricultural and ornamental pests with broad host ranges spanning numerous woody plant families. Several species have invasive potential and have established beyond their native ranges, including P. aurantii, P. psidii, and P. urbicola. The genus exhibits considerable morphological variability, complicating species identification.
Putoidae
giant mealybugs, putoids
Putoidae is a family of scale insects (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha) commonly known as giant mealybugs or putoids. The family contains a single genus, Puto Signoret, 1875, with approximately 60 species distributed mainly in the Nearctic and Palaearctic regions. Putoidae was elevated from Pseudococcidae due to significant morphological differences from other mealybugs. Members of this family are economically important as pests of agricultural crops, including coffee and various cultivated plants.
Steingeliidae
Steingeliidae is a small family of scale insects within the order Hemiptera, containing approximately 5 genera and 10 described species. The family was established by Morrison in 1927 and is classified within the superfamily Coccidoidea. Members are placed in the infraorder Coccidomorpha alongside other scale insects and mealybugs. The genus *Steingelia* is the type genus, described by Nasonov in 1908.
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.
Xylococcidae
Xylococcidae is a small family of scale insects within the order Hemiptera. The family contains approximately 11 described species across four genera: Xylococcus, Xylococculus, Jansenus, and the extinct genus †Baisococcus. Members of this family are classified within the superfamily Coccoidea, which encompasses scale insects and mealybugs. The family was established by Pergande in 1898.