Wax-secretion
Guides
Adelges
Adelges is a genus of conifer-feeding insects in the family Adelgidae, closely related to aphids. Members of this genus are small, sap-sucking insects that infest various fir (Abies) and hemlock (Tsuga) species. Several species are significant forest pests, notably Adelges tsugae (hemlock woolly adelgid), which has caused extensive mortality of eastern hemlock forests in North America, and Adelges piceae (balsam woolly adelgid), a pest of balsam and Fraser firs. The genus exhibits complex life cycles often involving parthenogenetic reproduction and alternating generations between winged and wingless forms.
Aleurodicinae
whiteflies
Aleurodicinae is a subfamily of whiteflies (Aleyrodidae: Hemiptera) distinguished by morphological features of the pupal case, including the arrangement of setae and pore structures. The subfamily contains over 40 species in Belize alone, with substantial diversity throughout the Neotropical region. Members are phloem-feeders on vascular plants, with some species established as invasive pests in introduced ranges including the western Palaearctic, Pacific, Southeast Asia, and Canary Islands. At least one genus secretes distinctive blue-iridescent wax.
Aleyrodinae
whiteflies
Aleyrodinae is the largest subfamily of whiteflies (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), containing the majority of described species. Members are small, sap-sucking insects with powdery white wax-coated wings in adults. The subfamily includes economically significant agricultural pests such as Bemisia tabaci and Aleurotrachelus trachoides, which cause damage through direct feeding and virus transmission. A field survey in Belize recorded nearly 200 whitefly species, with all but 40 belonging to Aleyrodinae.
Coccoidea
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small sap-sucking hemipterans comprising the superfamily Coccoidea, with approximately 8,000 described species across about 49 families. They exhibit extraordinary morphological diversity, ranging from minute forms beneath waxy covers to conspicuous species with elaborate wax secretions. Many are economically significant agricultural and horticultural pests, while others serve as sources of valuable products such as carmine dye and shellac. The group has been extensively studied for biological control, with numerous parasitoid wasp species developed as management agents.
Dictyopharidae
Dictyopharid Planthoppers
Dictyopharidae is a family of planthoppers in the infraorder Fulgoromorpha, comprising nearly 760 species in more than 150 genera. The family is characterized by distinctive morphological features including an elongated frons or head projection in many species, and antennae arising from the side of the head below the compound eye. The family is divided into two subfamilies: Dictyopharinae and Orgeriinae. Fossil records extend back to the Late Cretaceous (Santonian age).
Eriosomatinae
Woolly Aphids, Gall-making Aphids
Eriosomatinae is a subfamily of aphids distinguished by filamentous waxy secretions that produce a cotton-like or woolly appearance. Members exhibit typically heteroecious holocyclic life cycles, alternating between primary and secondary host plants, with strong primary host plant specialization. Many species induce galls on primary hosts, particularly on Ulmaceae (elms, zelkovas), Salicaceae (poplars), and Anacardiaceae (sumacs). The subfamily contains three tribes: Eriosomatini, Fordini, and Pemphigini.
Fulgoroidea
planthoppers
Fulgoroidea is a superfamily of planthoppers within the infraorder Fulgoromorpha, comprising over 12,500 described species worldwide. These insects are characterized by their remarkable resemblance to leaves and other plant materials, and their tendency to hop for quick transportation while walking slowly to avoid detection. All members are plant-feeders, though relatively few are considered agricultural pests. The superfamily includes economically significant families such as Flatidae and Derbidae, as well as the lanternfly family Fulgoridae.
Homotomidae
fig psyllids, mulberry psyllids
Homotomidae is a family of small phloem-feeding insects in the superfamily Psylloidea, commonly known as fig or mulberry psyllids. Members feed almost exclusively on Moraceae, primarily the genus Ficus, with rare exceptions such as Triozamia on Antiaris toxicaria. The family contains approximately 70 described species across three subfamilies: Dynopsyllinae, Macrohomotominae, and Homotominae. Several species are economically significant pests of ornamental and cultivated figs, including the invasive Macrohomotoma gladiata, which has spread from Asia to Europe, North Africa, and North America.
Hormaphidinae
Hormaphidinae is a subfamily of aphids (Aphididae) distinguished by complex life cycles involving gall formation on primary host plants and often host alternation. The subfamily includes three tribes—Cerataphidini, Hormaphidini, and Nipponaphidini—with approximately 50 genera distributed primarily in eastern and southeastern Asia, with some representatives in North America. Many species produce specialized sterile soldiers for colony defense and exhibit diverse gall morphologies, from simple leaf curls to elaborate multi-cavity structures.
Hyperaspis paludicola
swamp lady beetle
Hyperaspis paludicola, the swamp lady beetle, is a small North American lady beetle in the family Coccinellidae. Adults measure 1.70–2.10 mm in length. The species is a specialized predator of scale insects and mealybugs, with larvae that produce distinctive white waxy secretions for protection. It has been recorded from Alberta, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, and South Carolina.
Neoprociphilus aceris
woolly maple aphid, woolly alder aphid
Neoprociphilus aceris is a woolly aphid species in the family Aphididae, commonly known as the woolly maple aphid or woolly alder aphid. It exhibits a holocyclic life cycle with alternating sexual and parthenogenetic generations on alder trees (Alnus spp.). The species produces dense woolly wax secretions covering its body, forming conspicuous colonies on branches and twigs. It is a phloem-feeding specialist with documented host associations primarily with alder, though its common name suggests potential maple associations that require verification.
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.
Phylloxerina
Phylloxerina is a genus of phylloxerids—small, sap-sucking true bugs in the family Phylloxeridae. These insects are closely related to aphids and are known for inducing distinctive leaf galls on host plants. The genus includes species such as Phylloxerina nyssae, which forms crescent-shaped galls on black tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica). Phylloxerids are morphologically unusual among Sternorrhyncha, with wax-covered bodies and complex life cycles involving both gall-dwelling and bark-dwelling generations. The genus is native to northern North America.
Prociphilus caryae
hickory woolly aphid
Prociphilus caryae, the hickory woolly aphid, is a species of woolly aphid in the family Aphididae. Like other members of the genus Prociphilus, this species is characterized by dense white waxy secretions that cover the body, giving it a distinctive woolly appearance. The species is associated with hickory trees (Carya spp.) as its primary host. Woolly aphids in this genus are known for complex life cycles that typically involve host alternation between a primary woody host and secondary herbaceous hosts, though specific details for P. caryae are not well documented in available sources.
Puto
giant mealybugs, Puto scale insects
Puto is a genus of scale insects in the family Putoidae, commonly known as giant mealybugs. The genus was established by Signoret in 1875 and is distinguished by its large body size relative to other mealybugs, dense white wax coating, and distinctive morphological features including cerarii and multilocular disc-pores. Putoidae is recognized as a distinct family separate from Pseudococcidae, representing a transitional evolutionary group between archaeococcoids and neococcoids. Species in this genus are primarily associated with woody host plants in temperate and montane regions.
Scolops cockerelli
Rhinoceros planthopper
Scolops cockerelli is a small planthopper in the family Dictyopharidae, characterized by a distinctive elongated rostrum that gives it a 'rhinoceros' appearance. The species occurs in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Like other Scolops species, it feeds on plant sap but is not considered an agricultural pest. Adults are typically straw-colored, brown, or gray with reduced wings in some forms.
Scymnus creperus
dusky lady beetle
Scymnus creperus is a small dusky lady beetle (Coccinellidae: Scymnini) native to North America. Adults measure 1.76–2.68 mm and display distinctive coloration: yellowish-red head and pronotum with a small black spot, and black elytra with red apices. The species is notable for its larval defense mechanism—secretion of a sticky white wax from integument pores that reduces aggression by the imported fire ant Solenopsis invicta. It preys on aphids and has been documented feeding on the bird cherry-oat aphid Rhopalosiphum padi.