Brown Soft-scale
Coccus hesperidum
This record describes Coccus hesperidum (species). Recorded family: Coccidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
The adult female Coccus hesperidum is oval, flattish, translucent pale-yellow to yellow-brown, often mottled with brown spots; body length up to 5 mm and width 2.5 mm. Adult males, however, resemble small flies but never feed and die within a day or two of emergence. This species is broadly polyphagous and often a serious pest of ornamental and crop plants in Britain. Although it is most commonly recorded on indoor plantings it also frequently occurs outdoors, particularly on bay laurel and ivy. May be observed throughout the year on woody hosts. Fairly frequent in Britain but little recorded. No additional images available for this species.
Wikipedia reference for Coccus hesperidum: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coccus_hesperidum.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Sternorrhyncha
- Superfamily
- Coccoidea
- Family
- Coccidae (Soft Scale Insects)
- Genus
- Coccus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
This species is broadly polyphagous and often a serious pest of ornamental and crop plants in Britain. Although it is most commonly recorded on indoor plantings it also frequently occurs outdoors, particularly on bay laurel and ivy.
Seasonal Activity
May be observed throughout the year on woody hosts.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Fairly frequent in Britain but little recorded.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Coccus hesperidum. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Hemiptera (true bugs) includes over 80,000 described species across cicadas, aphids, leafhoppers, shield bugs, and bed bugs. Aphids alone cost global agriculture an estimated $2.5 billion annually in crop losses.
Ecological role of the group
Many Hemiptera are essential food sources for birds and predatory insects. Cicadas provide massive nutrient pulses during emergence events - a single Brood X emergence can involve trillions of individuals across 15 states.
Economic and practical significance of the group
The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) caused $37 million in apple crop losses in a single year in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region. Bed bug infestations in the U.S. increased by 500% between 2001-2010, costing the hotel industry hundreds of millions annually.
Recorded sources for this group: USDA, EPA, University research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Brown Soft-scale (2)
Frequently Asked Questions About Brown Soft-scale
What is Brown Soft-scale?
Brown Soft-scale (Coccus hesperidum) is a species in the family Coccidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Brown Soft-scale?
up to 5 mm and width 2.5 mm. Adult males, however, resemble small flies but never feed and die within a day or two of emergence.
Where is Brown Soft-scale found?
Habitat: This species is broadly polyphagous and often a serious pest of ornamental and crop plants in Britain. Although it is most commonly recorded on indoor plantings it also frequently occurs outdoors, particularly on bay laurel and ivy.
When is Brown Soft-scale active?
Brown Soft-scale: seasonal activity - May be observed throughout the year on woody hosts..