Scale Insect (likely an Armored Scale or shed skin)
Scientific Name: Superfamily Coccoidea (likely Family Diaspididae)
Order & Family: Order: Hemiptera; Family: Diaspididae (Armored Scales)
Size: Typically 1 to 3 mm in diameter
Natural Habitat
primarily found on the stems, leaves, and branches of indoor and outdoor plants; can accidentally be transferred to furniture or clothing
Diet & Feeding
Sucks sap from plant tissues (phloem); they do not feed on humans or animals
Behavior Patterns
Adult females are immobile (sessile) and form a hard, waxy, shield-like cover to protect themselves while feeding on plants; they look like small bumps or scabs
Risks & Benefits
Major agricultural and horticultural pest that can stunt or kill plants; harmless to humans and pets (does not bite or sting), though often mistaken for skin parasites or bed bugs due to their scab-like appearance
Identified on: 2/6/2026