Wax Scale vs Aphid

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Wax Scale Aphid
Scientific Name Ceroplastes destructor Myzus persicae
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Coccidae Aphididae
Size 3-5 mm 1-3 mm
Habitat Heathland Underground
Diet Sap Feeders Sap Feeders
Regions Oceania, Africa Worldwide
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Wax Scale

A scale insect that covers itself with a thick waxy dome for protection.

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Did You Know?

Its waxy covering can be nearly a centimeter thick and perfectly dome-shaped.

Aphid

Tiny sap-sucking insects with extraordinary reproduction. Can reproduce without mating (parthenogenesis) and give birth to live young that are already pregnant, telescoping generations.

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Did You Know?

Aphids can telescope generations — a female can contain a developing daughter, who already has a developing granddaughter inside her, all without mating.