Adult females variable in form and colour; body segmented, the segments more or less conspicuous; naked, or covered with secretion which is mealy, cottony, felted, or waxy; active or stationary. No abdominal cleft or dorsal lobes; abdomen ending in two more or less conspicuous protruding processes, or "anal tubercles." Mentum, when present, bi- or triarticulate.
Larvæ exhibiting anal tubercles as in adult.
Adult males of general form of the family: abdominal spike usually short. Antennæ usually of ten joints. Eyes often facetted.
SUBDIVISIONS AND GENERA.
Subdivision I.
Adult females stationary; naked, or covered with cottony or felted secretion; antennæ of not more than seven joints; anogenital ring with six or eight short hairs; anal tubercles conspicuous. Eyes of male not facetted
Adult female enclosed in closely-felted or waxy sac with double glassy fringe; apodous and without antennæ
Adult females enclosed in a felted sac without fringe; retaining feet and antennæ