Whitefly

Natural Habitat

Found on the undersides of leaves of various plants, both indoors (greenhouses, houseplants) and outdoors (gardens, agricultural fields).

Diet & Feeding

Sap feeders. They pierce plant tissues with their stylets and suck out plant sap, primarily from the phloem.

Behavior Patterns

They undergo incomplete metamorphosis (egg, nymph, pupa, adult). Adults often fly in clouds when disturbed. Pupa stage is sessile and resembles a scale insect. They secrete honeydew, a sticky sugary substance.

Risks & Benefits

Risks: Major agricultural and horticultural pests. Their feeding weakens plants, yellowing leaves, and can lead to plant death. Honeydew secretion promotes sooty mold growth, which inhibits photosynthesis. They can also transmit plant viruses. Benefits: None significant as pests; serve as a food source for some predatory insects.

Identified on: 9/17/2025