tamarisk manna scale

insect

Also known as: Trabutina mannipara

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Last updated

July 14, 2026

Quick Summary

The tamarisk manna scale, scientifically known as Trabutina mannipara, is a type of scale insect that causes the production of manna on tamarisk trees. This insect is a homopteran, a group that feeds on plant sap.12

The manna scale produces large quantities of honeydew, a sugary substance that solidifies on plant leaves, particularly in arid regions. This material has been historically significant, with some theories suggesting it may have been the biblical manna that sustained the Israelites in the desert. This substance is still collected and consumed as a delicacy in some parts of the world.2

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homopteran
Importance
…produce food for man, the tamarisk manna scale, Trabutina mannipara, is thought to have produced the biblical manna for the children of Israel. The females produce large quantities of honeydew that solidify in thick layers on plant leaves in arid regions. This sugarlike material, still collected by natives of Arabia…
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…produce food for man, the tamarisk manna scale, Trabutina mannipara, is thought to have produced the biblical manna for the children of Israel. The females produce large quantities of honeydew that solidify in thick layers on plant leaves in arid regions. This sugarlike material, still collected by natives of Arabia…
Read More