diaspidid

diaspidid

English

A diaspid, Fiorinia externa (elongate hemlock scale)

Noun

diaspidid (plural diaspidids)

1. (entomology) Any of the armoured scale insects of the family Diaspididae.
   • 1989, H. C. Evans, 9: Mycopathogens of Insects of Epideal and Aerial Habitats, N. Wilding, N. M. Collins, P. M. Hammond, J. F. Webber (editors), Insect-Fungus Interactions, page 226,

     The main enemies of diaspidids, however, are hymenopterous parasites which, although capable of locating potential host within the fungal thallus, can reach the insect within the chambers only rarely.

   • 2001, F. W. Howard, Insects on Palms‎, page 223:

     The first-stage larvae of C. coperniciae are similar to diaspidid crawlers. Second-instar larvae are heavily sclerotized, with distinct truncate abdomens, and, unlike second-instar diaspidids, have functional legs.

   • 2009, J. E. Peña, M. Aluja, M. Wysoki, 10: Pests, Richard E. Litz (editor), The Mango: Botany, Production and Uses, page 342,

     At least 26 species of diaspidids attack mangoes worldwide (Chua and Wood, 1990).