Bug Identifier
Mealybug
Community identification

Mealybug

Pseudococcidae

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

Natural Habitat

Found globally in warm, moist environments, often on houseplants, in greenhouses, or on agricultural crops like citrus and grapes.

Diet & Feeding

Herbivorous; they use piercing-sucking mouthparts to feed on plant sap (phloem), often found on stems, leaf undersides, and fruit.

Behavior Patterns

They are slow-moving insects known for secreting a white, powdery wax coating for protection. They often excrete honeydew, a sticky substance that can lead to the growth of sooty mold.

Risks & Benefits

Considered a significant agricultural and horticultural pest. They can weaken or kill host plants and transmit plant viruses. They offer no significant benefits to humans but are part of the food chain for predators like ladybugs.