To which order do scales such as Armored Scale belong?

Scales like Armored Scale belong to the order Hemiptera, which is characterized by insects that often have piercing-sucking mouthparts. This order includes a variety of plant-feeding insects, such as aphids, whiteflies, and, indeed, scales. Hemipterans are unique because they undergo a gradual metamorphosis, which is distinct from orders that display complete metamorphosis, such as Lepidoptera, which includes moths and butterflies. Additionally, Hemiptera is divided into suborders, with scales specifically found in the suborder Sternorrhyncha. The morphology of the armored scale, with its protective covering and feeding habits, aligns with the typical characteristics of Hemiptera, making this order the correct classification.