scale insect

scale insect

n.

Any of various small plant-feeding insects of the superfamily Coccoidea that secrete a waxy substance covering the body and are often agricultural pests. Also called coccid.

scale insect

n

(Animals) any small homopterous insect of the family Coccidae and related families, which typically live and feed on plants and secrete a protective scale around themselves. Many species, such as the San Jose scale, are important pests

scale′ in`sect

n.

any of numerous small plant-sucking insects of the superfamily Coccoidea, the females of which are often covered by a waxy secretion resembling scales.

scale insect

Any of various small insects related to the aphids. The young suck juices from plants, and the adult females live under waxy, scale-like shells that they secrete on plant tissue. Scale insects can be very destructive to plants.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

scale insect - small homopterous insect that usually lives and feeds on plants and secretes a protective waxy covering coccid insect - scale insects and mealybugs soft scale - an insect active in all stages wax insect - any of various insects that secrete a waxy substance armored scale - insect having a firm covering of wax especially in the female cochineal insect, Dactylopius coccus, cochineal - Mexican red scale insect that feeds on cacti; the source of a red dye