Mealybug

Natural Habitat

Typically found on the stems, leaves, and roots of a wide variety of greenhouse and outdoor plants.

Diet & Feeding

Herbivorous; they use piercing-sucking mouthparts to feed on plant juices (sap).

Behavior Patterns

They are slow-moving insects that secrete a white, powdery or cottony wax covering for protection. They often aggregate in hidden areas of plants and excrete honeydew, which can lead to sooty mold growth.

Risks & Benefits

Significant agricultural and horticultural pests that cause leaf yellowing, stunted growth, and plant death; they have no significant benefits to the ecosystem.

Identified on: 4/17/2026