Mealybug

Natural Habitat

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

Diet & Feeding

Plant sap; they are fluid-feeders that use piercing-sucking mouthparts to extract nutrients from host plants.

Behavior Patterns

They are slow-moving insects that secret a white, waxy, cotton-like coating for protection. They often cluster in hidden areas of plants and excrete honey-dew, which can lead to sooty mold growth.

Risks & Benefits

Significant agricultural and horticultural pests that cause leaf yellowing, stunted growth, and plant death. They offer no direct benefits to humans and are difficult to eradicate once established.

Identified on: 3/25/2026