Felt Scale
Ovaticoccus agavium
This record describes Ovaticoccus agavium (species). Recorded family: Eriococcidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Lightly dusted with white mealy wax, pink body shows through wax, with 2 longitudinal lines of brown blotches. Similar to O. californicus Intercepted 13 times at U. S. ports-of-entry between 1995 and 2012, from Mexico and UK.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Sternorrhyncha
- Superfamily
- Coccoidea
- Family
- Eriococcidae (Felt Scales)
- Genus
- Ovaticoccus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
An invasive tropical species in the US and Europe, probably originated in Africa.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Host-specific on Agave and Yucca plants
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Author: Douglas, 1888
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Ovaticoccus agavium. 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 Felt Scale (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset
Frequently Asked Questions About Felt Scale
What is Felt Scale?
Felt Scale (Ovaticoccus agavium) is a species in the family Eriococcidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How do you identify Felt Scale?
Lightly dusted with white mealy wax, pink body shows through wax, with 2 longitudinal lines of brown blotches. Similar to O. californicus
Where is Felt Scale found?
Range: An invasive tropical species in the US and Europe, probably originated in Africa.
What does Felt Scale eat?
The diet of the Felt Scale includes Host-specific on Agave and Yucca plants.