GROUND PEARL

scale insect (order Homoptera) with iridescent globular body (two to four millimetres in length) varying in colour from metallic bronze, red, or gold to cream or silver. They are worldwide in distribution, and are often found on the roots of plants or scattered in the soil. They can best be controlled by using sufficient amounts of water and fertilizer around susceptible plants. In the tropics, the protective waxy coverings, secreted by the genus Margarodes, are used as beads and ornaments. Ground pearls are also a source of varnish.