Scale Insect

Natural Habitat

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

Diet & Feeding

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

Behavior Patterns

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.

Risks & Benefits

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.

Identified on: 1/15/2026