Mealybug

Inhabits host plants including garden crops, houseplants, fruit trees, and ornamental plants, often hiding in crevices or under leaves.

Herbivorous; they use piercing-sucking mouthparts to feed on plant sap (phloem), weakening the host plant.

Nymphs and females have limited mobility and secrete a white, waxy, cotton-like substance for protection against desiccation and predators. They often cluster in colonies and excrete sticky honeydew.

Significant agricultural and garden pests that can cause yellowing, leaf drop, and stunted growth in plants. They may facilitate the growth of sooty mold on honeydew deposits; they offer no direct benefits to humans or the ecosystem.