Mealybug

Warm, moist environments; often found on the undersides of leaves, in stem crevices, and on various indoor and outdoor ornamental plants.

Plant sap (phloem), extracted through piercing-sucking mouthparts.

Nymphs and adult females are slow-moving and secrete a white, waxy, cotton-like substance for protection. They often aggregate in clusters on host plants. They also secrete honeydew, which can lead to sooty mold growth.

They are serious agricultural and horticultural pests that cause stunted growth, yellowing, and leaf drop in plants. They have no significant benefits to humans and can attract ants with their honeydew.