Mealybug

Natural Habitat

Found on ornamental plants, greenhouses, and gardens, usually on the undersides of leaves and in crevices.

Diet & Feeding

Herbivorous. These insects use sucking mouthparts to feed on plant sap (phloem), weakening the host plant.

Behavior Patterns

Slow-moving; they secrete a powdery white waxy coating for protection and produce sticky 'honeydew' that can lead to sooty mold growth.

Risks & Benefits

Significant agricultural and horticultural pests that can stunt plant growth or cause leaf drop. No direct risk to humans, but beneficial to ants who harvest their honeydew.

Identified on: 4/1/2026