156 [NJURIOUS VXD BENEFICIAL INSECTS OP CALIFORNIA. 



DIASPIN^ (Subfamily) 



The members of this subfamily are characterized by the formation 

 of a scale which affords protection for the body and are called 

 armored scales. The scales of the females are circular, or nearly so, 

 and with the exuviae at or near the center. The scales of the males 

 are somewhat elongated, usually smaller and with the exuviae sub- 

 central or near one end. After the first molt the insects lose their 

 legs and antenna', the females continuing thus throughout their exist- 

 ence. After the last molt the males acquire legs, wings and antennas. 



The representatives of the Diaspince are very numerous and com- 

 prise some very destructive species. 



THE ORANGE CHIONASPIS 



Chionaspis citri Comstock 

 (Fig. 134) 



Description.— The female scales are elongated, blackish-brown, with 

 gray margins and dark yellow exuviae. The male scales are very small, 

 long and narrow and white with exuvias yellow. They are often 

 grouped so thickly as to almost hide the females and make the branches 

 appear white. 



Fig. 134. — The orange Chionaspis, Chionaspis citri 

 Comst. Nearly all those shown are the scales of the 

 males, '['wire enlarged. (Author's illustration. Mo. Bui. 

 Cal. Hurt. Com.) 



Life History.— The life history is practically the same as that of 

 (' . < uonymi Comst. 



