Mealybug

Natural Habitat

Inhabits greenhouse plants, houseplants, and warm outdoor garden environments.

Diet & Feeding

Feeds on plant juices by sucking sap from leaves, stems, and roots using piercing-sucking mouthparts.

Behavior Patterns

Often sedentary, they secrete a waxy, white cottony coating for protection. They reproduce rapidly and can cause leaf yellowing and stunted growth.

Risks & Benefits

Major agricultural and ornamental pest; they excrete 'honeydew' which can lead to sooty mold growth on plants. Generally harmless to humans.

Identified on: 12/27/2025