Green Scale
Coccus viridis
This record describes Coccus viridis (species). Recorded family: Coccidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Wikipedia reference for Coccus viridis: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coccus_viridis.
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
Geographic Range
pantropical, prob. of Brazilian origin; adventive in our area (FL, esp. the south; well established)[Cite:185010]
Diet and Behavior
Diet: hosts: wide range of vegetable, fruit and ornamental crops; preferred host in FL: groundsel bush ( Baccharis halimifolia )[Cite:185010]
Life History
parthenogenetic and oviparous[Cite:185010]
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Coccus viridis (Green 1889)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Coccus viridis. 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 Green Scale (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Green Scale
How big is Green Scale?
adults 2.5-3.3 mm[Cite:185010]
Where is Green Scale found?
Range: pantropical, prob. of Brazilian origin; adventive in our area (FL, esp. the south; well established)[Cite:185010]
What does Green Scale eat?
The diet of the Green Scale includes hosts: wide range of vegetable, fruit and ornamental crops; preferred host in FL: groundsel bush ( Baccharis halimifolia )[Cite:185010].
What is the life cycle of a Green Scale?
parthenogenetic and oviparous[Cite:185010]