395 



FAMILY COCCID^. 



(The Mealy Bugs.) 



This is a group of insects similar to scale insects 

 which, instead of forming a true scale, produce 

 a mealy secretion which covers their body. One 

 species secretes threads, and these are sometimes 

 worked up to form a scale-like covering, ex. : 

 ''Fluted cottony scale" (Icerya purchasi). (Plate 

 50, Fig. 11.) 



The larvae of the females of many mealy bugs 

 are usually rather ugly ' ' grubs, ' ' with the segments 

 of the bodj^ very similar and with very short legs; 

 some species look like wood lice. However, the 

 ]>ody is of a red or cream colour, sometimes flecked 

 with black on the edges. One species has a thick, 

 swollen form like a little pig. Monophlebus is the 

 common type of mealy bug. (Plate 50, Fig. 8.) 

 The males are winged, and the male of one species 

 {Callipappus) is a most exquisite little creature. 

 The two wings are like dainty pink shells, and the 

 tip of the abdomen ends in twisted, stiff silken 

 bristles. 



