Mealybug

Natural Habitat

Mealybugs are found in a wide variety of habitats, primarily on plants. They are common in warm and humid environments, including agricultural fields, greenhouses, nurseries, and as indoor plant pests. They often hide in plant crevices, leaf axils, and undersides of leaves.

Diet & Feeding

Plant sap (herbivorous; phloem feeders)

Behavior Patterns

Mealybugs are typically slow-moving or sessile. Females and nymphs feed by inserting their stylets into plant tissue and sucking out sap. They often excrete a sticky, sweet substance called honeydew, which can lead to the growth of sooty mold. Some species form cottony ovisacs to protect their eggs. They are known to form colonies and can be found in sheltered parts of plants.

Risks & Benefits

Mealybugs are significant agricultural and horticultural pests. They can cause stunted growth, leaf yellowing, wilting, and even plant death by depleting plant sap. Their honeydew secretions promote the growth of sooty mold, which reduces photosynthesis and aesthetic value. They can also transmit plant viruses. There are no direct benefits of mealybugs to humans or the environment, but some natural predators (e.g., ladybugs, parasitic wasps) help to control their populations, thereby benefiting ecosystem balance.

Identified on: 9/4/2025