Whitefly

Natural Habitat

Typically found on the undersides of leaves in gardens, greenhouses, and indoor houseplants globally.

Diet & Feeding

Herbivorous; they use piercing-sucking mouthparts to feed on plant sap (phloem), often causing leaves to yellow and wilt.

Behavior Patterns

They are active during the day and easily fly off when the host plant is disturbed. They excrete 'honeydew'—a sticky, sugary substance that can lead to black sooty mold growth.

Risks & Benefits

They are major agricultural pests that damage plants and can transmit viral diseases. They offer no direct benefit to humans but serve as a food source for beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings.

Identified on: 3/25/2026