Whitefly

Found globally in gardens, greenhouses, and on indoor houseplants, typically on the underside of leaves.

Herbivorous; they use piercing-sucking mouthparts to feed on plant sap (phloem) from host plants.

They are active during the day and often swarm in small clouds when the host plant is disturbed. They excrete a sticky substance called honeydew and undergo a multi-stage life cycle from egg to nymph to adult.

They are significant agricultural pests that can weaken plants, cause yellowing, and spread plant viruses. The honeydew they produce can lead to the growth of black sooty mold. They offer no direct benefit to humans but are a food source for lacewings and ladybugs.