Mealybug

Found worldwide in warm, moist habitats, often on host plants in gardens, greenhouses, and indoor spaces.

They feed on plant juices (sap) by piercing the host plant's tissues, which can weaken or kill the plant.

Mealybugs are slow-moving insects that often cluster in protected areas of plants, like the undersides of leaves or leaf axils. They produce a white, waxy secretion that protects them from drying out and provides a cottony appearance. They are also known for producing honeydew, a sticky substance that can lead to the growth of sooty mold.

Mealybugs are significant pests in agriculture and horticulture, causing damage to a wide variety of plants. They do not pose a direct threat to humans, but their presence can lead to plant decline and the spread of plant diseases.