lemezkék

Lemezkék, often translated as "scale insects," are a superfamily of small, sap-sucking insects belonging to the order Hemiptera. They are characterized by their distinctive protective covering, which can resemble scales or shells. This covering is formed from waxy secretions, shed skins, and sometimes even the hardened body of the insect itself. Lemezkék are found worldwide, with a particular abundance in tropical and subtropical regions, and they infest a wide variety of plants, including fruit trees, ornamental plants, and houseplants.

These insects are typically sedentary, especially the females, which often remain fixed to a plant surface for much of their adult lives. Their feeding mechanism involves piercing plant tissues with their specialized mouthparts to extract sap. This feeding can weaken plants, leading to yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and the production of honeydew, a sugary excretion that can promote the growth of sooty mold, a black fungus. In some cases, heavy infestations can prove fatal to their host plants.

The life cycle of lemezkék involves different stages, often including an egg, nymph, and adult phase. The nymphs are mobile and seek out new feeding sites. Reproduction can be sexual or parthenogenetic. Due to their protective coverings and often cryptic nature, lemezkék can be challenging to control. Various methods are employed for management, including horticultural oils, insecticidal soaps, and biological control agents that prey on or parasitize them.