However, the females and males differ radically. Male scales are winged, although they have only one pair of wings. There are numerous types of scales. Adult female armored scales have a hard, waxy covering over their body - the covering, which can be separated from the body, protects the insect from adverse weather conditions and natural enemies. This covering also protects the eggs which are contained underneath the covering, which somewhat resembles a turtle shell.
Males are winged.
Armored scales do not produce honeydew. Once a crawler finds a suitable site, it inserts its mouthparts and begins to feed. A female scale remains sessile throughout the remainder of her lifetime. Armored scales injure plants by sucking sap and may kill the plant. These insects can sometimes heavily encrust the twigs or branches.