Abstract
This chapter discusses the chemistry and biochemistry of the test or cover of female scale insects, with special reference to soft scales, Coccidae. In the case of soft scales, waxy materials are an important component of the cover. However, in the case of Ceroplastes spp., particular aqueous components of the test referred to as “interior honeydew” are also important constituents, in addition to the waxy materials. Although true wax, esters of higher aliphatic fatty acids and higher aliphatic alcohols, are the major components of the waxy fraction, cyclic waxes are unique components in the test of Ceroplastes spp. Except for sugars and amino acids in the interior honeydew, almost all the components seem to be biogenic products of the scale insects themselves. Production and secretion of the bulky cover by soft scales are in contrast to the thin, hard cover of armored scale insects. Although there is little information on the chemical properties of non-lipid materials in the test covers of armored scales, the covers of both soft scales and armored scales apparently play an important role in the protection of the insect's body from deleterious environmental factors and natural enemies.
Published Version
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