Hard Scale insect (protective waxy covering)

Found on the leaves, stems, or fruits of over 7,000 species of plants and trees worldwide.

Sapsucking; they use tube-like mouthparts to pierce plant tissue and drink the fluid (phloem).

Once a female crawler finds a spot to feed, she loses her legs and remains stationary for life, secreting a hard, waxy protective scale over her body. Males are short-lived and usually winged.

They are significant agricultural pests that can cause plant yellowing, leaf drop, and stunted growth; they provide little benefit to the ecosystem other than being a food source for ladybugs and parasitic wasps.