Chinese Wax Scale
Ceroplastes sinensis
This record describes Ceroplastes sinensis (species). Recorded family: Coccidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Body elliptical; convex in lateral view; reddish brown; with a thick wax covering. Resembles C. cirripediformis Comstock but can be distinguished by having dorsal setae with acute or rounded apices. Non native. Introduced from Asia
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
- Ceroplastes (Wax Scales)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Distribution map
Diet and Behavior
Life History
eggs laid in chamber under body of adult
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Ceroplastes sinensis. 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 Chinese Wax Scale (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Dennis Haines; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset
Frequently Asked Questions About Chinese Wax Scale
What is Chinese Wax Scale?
Chinese Wax Scale (Ceroplastes sinensis) is a species in the family Coccidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How do you identify Chinese Wax Scale?
Body elliptical; convex in lateral view; reddish brown; with a thick wax covering. Resembles C. cirripediformis Comstock but can be distinguished by having dorsal setae with acute or rounded apices.
Where is Chinese Wax Scale found?
Range: Distribution map
What is the life cycle of a Chinese Wax Scale?
eggs laid in chamber under body of adult