Mealybug

Natural Habitat

Warm, moist environments; commonly found on indoor houseplants, in greenhouses, and on many outdoor agricultural crops.

Diet & Feeding

Herbivorous; they use specialized sucking mouthparts (stylets) to feed on plant sap (phloem), often targeting new growth.

Behavior Patterns

Mealybugs are slow-moving and protected by a white, waxy, cottony secretion. They often cluster in hidden areas like leaf axils or under foliage; they excrete honeydew which can lead to sooty mold growth.

Risks & Benefits

They are significant plant pests that can weaken or kill vegetation, causing economic damage to agriculture and aesthetics. They do not bite humans or pets but can be a nuisance in the garden.

Identified on: 1/6/2026