Soft Scale Insect (likely Brown Soft Scale)

Found on stems, leaves, and fruit of various indoor houseplants, citrus trees, and ornamental shrubs. Often discovered on produce or fallen from house plants.

Sap-sucking; they feed on plant phloem (sap) from leaves and stems.

Adult females are immobile and attach themselves permanently to a plant surface, forming a protective, shell-like bump (as seen in the image). The greenish fragments at the edge are likely torn plant tissue from where the insect was attached.

Risks: Agricultural and garden pest that weakens plants and excretes honeydew, leading to sooty mold. Harmless to humans and animals (no biting or stinging).