Mealybug (likely citrus or soft mealybug)

Plant stems, leaf axils, undersides of leaves, roots, and fruit, especially in warm, humid conditions. They commonly infest houseplants, ornamentals, citrus, and greenhouse crops.

Pierces plant tissue and sucks phloem sap. Feeding can cause yellowing, wilting, stunting, honeydew, and subsequent sooty mold.

Mostly sedentary females cluster in protected plant crevices, while tiny males may be winged and short-lived. Populations spread through crawlers, infested plant material, ants, and contaminated tools.

They are significant plant pests and may transmit some plant pathogens; honeydew attracts ants and promotes mold. They have little direct benefit, though they support predators such as lady beetles, lacewings, and parasitoid wasps.