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Kermesidae

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Kermesidae
Nidularia balachowskii
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Hemiptera
Suborder: Sternorrhyncha
Superfamily: Coccoidea
Family: Kermesidae
Genera

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

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  1. ^ 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.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
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