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”, in 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^[1], 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”, in 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).