Mealybug

Natural Habitat

Warm, moist environments; commonly found on the stems, leaves, and roots of indoor and outdoor plants.

Diet & Feeding

Herbivorous; they pierce plant tissues with their mouthparts to suck out the sap (phloem).

Behavior Patterns

Mealybugs are known for their slow movement and the white, powdery wax they secrete for protection. They often aggregate in hidden crevices of plants and can cause yellowing or wilting through their feeding.

Risks & Benefits

They are a significant agricultural and horticultural pest. They secrete honeydew which can lead to sooty mold growth; however, they have no direct health risk to humans. They provide a food source for beneficial insects like ladybugs.

Identified on: 12/27/2025