Mealybug

Natural Habitat

Found in warm, moist environments on various host plants, including houseplants, greenhouses, and gardens.

Diet & Feeding

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

Behavior Patterns

They are slow-moving and often cluster in protected areas of plants, like leaf axils. They secrete a powdery white wax and sticky honeydew during their life cycle.

Risks & Benefits

Considered a significant plant pest that can cause leaf yellowing, stunted growth, and death of host plants; no direct health risk to humans.

Identified on: 12/31/2025