Kermesidae
Appearance
Kermesidae | |
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Nidularia balachowskii | |
Scientific classification | |
Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Arthropoda |
Class: | Insecta |
Order: | Hemiptera |
Suborder: | Sternorrhyncha |
Superfamily: | Coccoidea |
Family: | Kermesidae |
Genera | |
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The Kermesidae, or gall-like scales, are a family of scale insects belonging to the superfamily Coccoidea. The type genus, Kermes, includes the kermes scale insects, from which a red dye, also called kermes (a.k.a. crimson), is obtained.
The first instars are called "crawlers".[1] They are less than 0.5 millimetres (0.020 in) long, salmon-colored, and wingless with well-developed legs.[1] As adults, they demonstrate significant sexual dimorphism. Males are gnat-like with fragile wings, while females are bulbous with reduced legs and antennas, and are easily mistaken for buds or galls.[1]
In North America, there are 32 species in 5 genera.[1]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d Turner, Jay Cee; Buss, Eileen A.; Mayfield, Albert E., III (June 2005). "Kermes Scales (Hemiptera: Kermesidae) on Oaks" (PDF). Entomology Circular (416). Fla. Dept. of Agriculture & Cons. Svs. Division of Plant Industry.
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External links
[edit]Wikispecies has information related to Kermesidae.
- Allokermes kingii, northern red-oak kermes, kermes scale on the UF / IFAS Featured Creatures Web site