Scale insects (Order Homoptera/Hemiptera, Family Coccidae) get their common name from the covers (scales) the juveniles produce to protect themselves. There are generally two types of scale – ‘soft’ and ‘armoured’ – but the size and shape of the scales varies according to species. Soft scales are typically formed from honeydew excreted by the insect, while armoured scales are formed from the waxy filaments that the insect secretes as it rotates its body in a circular pattern. In most species the female will live within the scale for the entire life cycle. Males live under their scale cover until maturity, when they emerge as winged adults. Scale insects feed by sucking sap from plant tissue and are considered pests. They weaken the host plant by reducing its food supply.