Scale Insect

Typically found on the stems, leaves, or fruit of host plants; occasionally found indoors on houseplants or near plant debris.

Plant sap (phloem); they use piercing-sucking mouthparts to feed on the host plant.

The adult females are usually immobile and attach themselves to a host plant under a waxy, shell-like covering. They produce large amounts of honeydew (sticky waste) which can lead to sooty mold growth.

They are major agricultural and horticultural pests that can weaken or kill plants. They pose no direct risk to humans, but can damage indoor and outdoor gardens.