Bug Identifier
Mealybug
Community identification

Mealybug

Pseudococcidae

Order & Family
Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae
Size
1 to 4 millimeters in length
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Found on the leaves, stems, and roots of a wide variety of indoor and outdoor plants, especially in warm, moist environments.

Diet & Feeding

Herbivorous; they use piercing-sucking mouthparts to feed on plant sap (phloem), often causing leaf yellowing and stunted growth.

Behavior Patterns

Slow-moving insects that secrete a white, waxy, cotton-like substance for protection. They often cluster in hidden areas like leaf axils and excrete honeydew, which can lead to sooty mold growth.

Risks & Benefits

Significant agricultural and horticultural pests that can weaken or kill host plants. They have no direct risk to humans but can be difficult to eradicate once established in gardens or greenhouses.