Coccids

/ˈkɒksɪdz/ noun

Definition

Small parasitic insects in the family Coccidae, also called scale insects, that feed on plant sap.

Etymology

From Greek 'kokkos' (berry), named because these insects are covered with a waxy, berry-like coating that protects them.

Kelly Says

Scale insects are basically tiny vampires of the plant world—they stay in one spot on a plant for their entire adult life, sucking out sap through a straw-like mouth part, and the female can produce thousands of babies.

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