Mealybug

Natural Habitat

Mealybugs are found worldwide, particularly in warm and humid climates. They are common pests in agricultural settings, greenhouses, and on houseplants. They prefer sheltered locations on plants, such as the undersides of leaves, stem junctions, and crevices.

Diet & Feeding

Mealybugs are sap-feeders, meaning they feed on the sap of plants. They insert their stylets (mouthparts) into the plant tissue to extract nutrients. They infest a wide variety of plants, including houseplants, greenhouse plants, fruit trees, and ornamental plants.

Behavior Patterns

Mealybugs are typically slow-moving and often appear sedentary as they feed. They are known for forming clusters on plants, especially in sheltered areas like stem crotches or leaf axils. Females lay eggs in a cottony sac, and the nymphs (crawlers) are more mobile than adults, dispersing to new feeding sites. They excrete honeydew, a sugary substance, which can lead to sooty mold growth.

Risks & Benefits

Mealybugs are primarily considered pests. Their feeding can weaken plants, cause stunted growth, leaf yellowing, and even plant death in severe infestations. The honeydew they excrete leads to the growth of sooty mold, which blocks photosynthesis and reduces the aesthetic value of the plant. There are no known direct benefits to humans or the ecosystem, although they are a food source for some natural predators like lacewings, ladybugs, and parasitic wasps, which can be used for biological control.

Identified on: 9/2/2025