Definition
A scale insect is any of various small homopterous insects of the superfamily Coccoidea that suck the juices of plants, the females of which secrete and remain under waxy scales on plant tissue.
Scale insects on a leaf of kava (Piper methysticum). |
 Barnacle scales (Ceroplastes cirripediformis) on a petiole of kava (Piper methysticum). |
 Scales on a stem of tea (Camellia sinensis). |
 Scales on an iris leaf. |
 Cycad scales on the foliage of a queen sago palm. |
A scale insect is any of various small homopterous insects of the superfamily Coccoidea that suck the juices of plants, the females of which secrete and remain under waxy scales on plant tissue.