Scale insects are small, winged insects that belong to the order Hemiptera. They are also known as true bugs or shield bugs due to their flattened body shape. Scale insects feed on plant sap and can cause damage to plants by sucking out nutrients and creating a sticky substance called honeydew, which attracts ants. Some common types of scale insects include the soft scales, armored scales, and mealybugs. These insects are usually found in clusters on plant stems or leaves and can be identified by their waxy coating. Scale insects have both male and female individuals, with females being the most damaging to plants as they lay eggs that hatch into new generations of scale insects.