Chalcioecus

/kælsiˈiːkəs/ noun

Definition

A genus of scale insects (small sap-sucking bugs) that includes species harmful to citrus and other plants.

Etymology

From Greek 'chalkos' (copper) and 'oikos' (house), literally meaning 'copper house,' possibly referring to the metallic appearance of some scale insects or their appearance under magnification.

Kelly Says

Scale insects in this genus are barely visible to your naked eye, yet they can devastate entire orchards by drinking plant sap. A single female can produce thousands of offspring without ever mating—they're clones of their mother.

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