Mealybug

Typically found on the stems, leaves, and fruits of a wide variety of plants, including indoor houseplants, greenhouses, and outdoor gardens in warm climates.

They feed on plant sap (phloem) using piercing-sucking mouthparts, often found in colonial clusters.

Mealybugs are slow-moving insects covered in a white, waxy, cotton-like substance for protection. They secrete honeydew, which can lead to the growth of sooty mold and attract ants.

They are a significant agricultural and horticultural pest that can cause leaf yellowing, stunted growth, and plant death. They offer no major benefits to the ecosystem and are generally managed through biological or chemical control.