Scale Insect

Fixed onto the stems, leaves, or fruits of host plants, including indoor and outdoor ornamental plants.

Plant sap; they use piercing-sucking mouthparts to feed on the vascular system of the host plant.

Adult females are typically sessile (immobile) and secrete a protective waxy or hard shell. They go through a crawler stage as nymphs to find new feeding spots.

Can be significant agricultural and horticultural pests, causing yellowing, stunted growth, or plant death. Some species are used to produce dyes like carmine.