Coccidae

/kɑkˈeɪdiː/ noun

Definition

A large family of small insects called scale insects, most of which feed on plant sap and many of which are agricultural pests.

Etymology

From coccus (Greek kokkos, 'grain') + -idae (Latin suffix for animal families); Linnaeus named them for their rounded appearance.

Kelly Says

The coccidae family is so successful at exploiting plants that farmers spend billions fighting them with pesticides, parasitic wasps, and ladybugs—nature's pest control arms race.

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