Mealybug
Scientific Name: Pseudococcidae (Family)
Order & Family: Order: Hemiptera, Family: Pseudococcidae
Size: Typically 1 to 4 millimeters (about 1/20 to 1/6 of an inch) in length; some species can grow slightly larger.
Natural Habitat
Found worldwide in warm, moist climates; commonly found on indoor houseplants, in greenhouses, and on outdoor crops like citrus, grapes, and ornamentals.
Diet & Feeding
They feed on plant sap (phloem) by inserting their stylets into plant tissue. Host plants include a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and ornamentals.
Behavior Patterns
Mealybugs tend to congregate in sheltered areas of plants, such as leaf axils, undersides of leaves, or root systems. They secrete a powdery white wax as a protective coating. They produce honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes sooty mold growth.
Risks & Benefits
Risks: They are significant agricultural and horticultural pests. Their feeding weakens plants, causes yellowing and leaf drop, stunts growth, and can transmit plant viruses. The honeydew they secrete encourages unsightly black sooty mold. Benefits: Generally considered pests with no direct benefit to humans, though they serve as food for natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings.
Identified on: 3/6/2026