a family of homopteran insects of the suborder Coccoidea. The insects measure as much as 2 mm in length and have a waxy carapace. Sexual dimorphism is marked. The females lack wings and legs, while the males, which are smaller than the females, have one pair of wings, normally developed extremities, and reduced mouth organs. The larvae and adult females suck the juices of plants.
The family embraces approximately 1,300 species, which are distributed throughout the globe, mainly in warm latitudes. The USSR has about 130 species. The Diaspididae live in trees and shrubs and occasionally on herbaceous plants. Many species are pests of citrus, apple, plum, peach, and mulberry trees.