Margarodidae

Margarodidae is a family of scale insects within the superfamily Coccoidea of the order Hemiptera. The group includes Margarodes and related genera and is often regarded as among the more primitive coccoids. Members are characterized by their protective coverings and life cycles in which adults are frequently sessile and the early instars are mobile.

Life cycle and morphology: Female Margarodidae are typically immobile, enclosed beneath a hard or waxy shell, while eggs are laid under or within the cover. The early nymphs, called crawlers, disperse before settling and forming the protective covering for subsequent instars. Males, when present in some species, are usually winged and short-lived, whereas females remain under the protective covering for much of their life.

Ecology and significance: Margarodids are sap-suckers that occupy a variety of plant hosts, including roots or stems of crops and ornamentals. They can be pests in agricultural and horticultural settings, causing reduced vigor, yield loss, and in some cases gum production or honeydew. The term ground pearls refers to certain Margarodidae species that produce small pearl-like cysts on the soil surface, derived from the female’s protective cover.

Taxonomy and distribution: The classification of Margarodidae has varied over time, with some genera moved to related families as coccoid taxonomy has evolved. The group is distributed worldwide, with greatest diversity in warm temperate and tropical regions. The type genus is Margarodes, from which the family name is derived.