
Community identification
Mealybug
Pseudococcidae family
- Order & Family
- Order Hemiptera, Family Pseudococcidae
- Size
- 1 to 4 mm (0.04 to 0.16 inches) long
Natural Habitat
Warm, moist environments; commonly found on indoor houseplants, in greenhouses, and on many agricultural crops.
Diet & Feeding
Herbivorous sap-suckers; they use their piercing-sucking mouthparts to feed on the phloem of plants.
Behavior Patterns
They are slow-moving insects often found in clusters or hidden in plant crevices. They secrete a white, waxy, cotton-like substance for protection and produce honeydew, which can lead to sooty mold growth.
Risks & Benefits
Significant plant pests that weaken hosts, cause leaf yellowing, and can transmit plant viruses. They provide no direct benefit to humans and can decimate ornamental and food crops.