Bug Identifier
Greenhouse Whitefly
Community identification

Greenhouse Whitefly

Trialeurodes vaporariorum

Order & Family
Hemiptera, Aleyrodidae
Size
1 to 2 mm in length
See this bug in the Encyclopedia

Natural Habitat

Gardens, greenhouses, and agricultural fields worldwide, especially on host plants like tomatoes

Diet & Feeding

Plant sap (phloem) from a wide variety of vegetables, fruits, and ornamental plants

Behavior Patterns

Adults are active flyers that congregate on the undersides of leaves to feed and lay eggs; they excrete honeydew which can lead to sooty mold growth

Risks & Benefits

Potential risk as a significant agricultural pest that weakens plants and transmits viruses; provide no direct benefits to humans