Whitefly

Natural Habitat

Found on the undersides of leaves in gardens, greenhouses, and agricultural fields worldwide.

Diet & Feeding

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

Behavior Patterns

They are active during the day and often congregate in large numbers. When a host plant is disturbed, they fly up in a characteristic white cloud. They excrete a sticky substance called honeydew.

Risks & Benefits

Significant agricultural pests. They weaken plants by sucking sap and can transmit plant viruses. The honeydew they excrete promotes the growth of sooty mold. They offer no direct benefits to humans.

Identified on: 3/17/2026