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Scale insects are all [[parasite]]s of [[plant]]s, feeding on [[sap]] drawn directly from the plant's vascular system. Adult scales are immobile and permanently attached to the plant they have parasitized. They secrete a [[wax]]y coating for defense; this coating causes them to resemble [[scale (zoology)|reptilian scales]], hence the name.
Scale insects feed on a wide variety of [[plant]]s, and the majority of scale species are considered [[pest (animal)|pest]]s. Some types are economically valuable, such as the [[cochineal]] and [[lac scale]]s. Scale insects' waxy covering makes them quite resistant to [[pesticide]]s, which are only effective against the juvenile ''crawler'' stage. However, scale can be controlled with [[horticultural oil]], which [[suffocation|suffocates]] them, or through [[biological control]]s. [[Soap]]y water is also reported to be effective against infestations of [[houseplant]]s.
Female scale insects, unusually for hemiptera, retain their larval form at sexual maturity. Adult males have wings but never feed and die within a day or two. The specifics of their reproductive systems vary considerably within the group, including [[hermaphroditism]] and seven forms of [[parthenogenesis]].
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