Glossary

Scale Insect

Scale insects are small insects measuring between 1 mm and 1 cm and have a variable appearance and extreme sexual dimorphism.

There are over 25 species of scale insects in the UK all of which are of the order Hemiptera, suborder Sternorrhyncha. Scales operate by sucking sap from stems of various plants, causing damage and creating a greater risk of pathogen exposure. 

Read more about scale insects here.