Distribution Diaspididae (Insecta) and control methods

Scale insects are major pests of crops and ornamental plants, with Diaspididae, Pseudococcidae, and Coccidae being the three most important families. They can cause economic damage by sucking sap, injecting poisons, and transmitting viruses. Mealybugs and soft scales may also cause indirect damage by excreting honeydew onto the plant surface. National phytosanitary services conduct active inspections for these insects, and morphological identification is achievable, but difficult. Diaspididae are a family of fast-breeding insects that suck plant sap and produce a sticky material called pad, which attracts ants. Diaspididae is a type of sap-sucking insect that affects hard-leaved orchids, citrus, ficus, and other plants. Females are aphids and generate wax that provides a protective shield. The shield itself can be circular or extended and can range in color from light to dark brown. Diaspididae produces eggs (up to 3000 pieces) under the shield, from which very small, mobile young individuals hatch. Males have two front wings and can fly to other plants; their life cycle is only a few days long.