Ground pearls
Scientific name: Margarodidae
Ground pearls
Scientific name: Margarodidae
Description
Belonging to the family Margarodidae, scale insects present a remarkable example of sexual dimorphism, where females are often wingless and larvae-like throughout their life, while males bear wings, resembling tiny wasps. Their role in ecosystems is profound, including their partnership with ants who protect them in exchange for honeydew. Moreover, the female's 'armored' scale protects her and her eggs against predators, showcasing an exceptional adaptation strategy that challenges our typical view of insect defenses.
Scientific Classification
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