Mealybugs, Whiteflies, and Psyllids

Mealy Bugs, Whiteflies, and Psyllids

Click on the thumbnail image for the larger photo.

43. Mealybugs derive their name from the white, waxy, mealy secretions that cover their bodies. Several pest species attack both indoor and outdoor plants.

44. The taxus mealybug is unusual in that it has only one generation per year.

45. Other mealybugs have several generations and can build up rapidly. Nymphs and adults cluster together at favorable feeding sites.

46. White, waxy filaments may cover entire colonies. A forceful insecticide spray containing a wetting agent is necessary for effective control.

47. Whiteflies are minute sucking insects which as adults resemble tiny white moths. Houseplants, greenhouses, and some ornamental flowers and shrubs are susceptible to attack.

48. Whiteflies often go unnoticed even when they occur in large numbers, because they congregate on the underside of the leaves. When the leaves are disturbed, the adults fly about, but they quickly settle again when the disturbance has passed.

49. Adult whiteflies are only about 1/16 inch long. Their two pairs of broadly rounded wings are covered with a white waxy powder.

50. Immature whiteflies go through an active crawler stage, but then settle down to feed. At this point, they shed their skins and become legless and immobile. Nymphs are small, non-motile, and nearly the same color as the foliage.

51. Immature whiteflies may be confused with scale insects, but are much smaller. Unlike scales, however, adult females can fly to infest other plants. Some control measures are aimed at the adults, requiring 15 to 20 treatments at 3 to 4 day intervals. The most effective control is achieved with newer insecticides that also kill nymphs. Thorough coverage of the underside of leaves is essential. This treatment usually is repeated two or three times at weekly intervals.

52. Psyllids are small soft-bodied insects related to aphids. Their hind legs are enlarged for jumping, giving rise to their common name, jumping plant lice.

53. Adults are winged and very active. They move quickly when disturbed. Some species are serious pests, but many are simply nuisances because the honeydew they produce leads to unsightly crusts of black sooty mold.

54. Boxwood psyllid is probably the most common boxwood pest in Virginia. Nymphs, covered with a white waxy material, feed on the terminal leaves as they unfold in the spring.

55. The familiar result is stunted twigs and cupped leaves. A single insecticide spray will prevent this damage, but it must be applied before injury is visible when new growth has just started in the spring.

Return to Insects that Feed by Sucking Plant Juices

	43. Mealybugs derive their name from the white, waxy, mealy secretions that cover their bodies. Several pest species attack both indoor and outdoor plants.
	44. The taxus mealybug is unusual in that it has only one generation per year.
	45. Other mealybugs have several generations and can build up rapidly. Nymphs and adults cluster together at favorable feeding sites.
	46. White, waxy filaments may cover entire colonies. A forceful insecticide spray containing a wetting agent is necessary for effective control.
	47. Whiteflies are minute sucking insects which as adults resemble tiny white moths. Houseplants, greenhouses, and some ornamental flowers and shrubs are susceptible to attack.
	48. Whiteflies often go unnoticed even when they occur in large numbers, because they congregate on the underside of the leaves. When the leaves are disturbed, the adults fly about, but they quickly settle again when the disturbance has passed.
	49. Adult whiteflies are only about 1/16 inch long. Their two pairs of broadly rounded wings are covered with a white waxy powder.
	50. Immature whiteflies go through an active crawler stage, but then settle down to feed. At this point, they shed their skins and become legless and immobile. Nymphs are small, non-motile, and nearly the same color as the foliage.
	51. Immature whiteflies may be confused with scale insects, but are much smaller. Unlike scales, however, adult females can fly to infest other plants. Some control measures are aimed at the adults, requiring 15 to 20 treatments at 3 to 4 day intervals. The most effective control is achieved with newer insecticides that also kill nymphs. Thorough coverage of the underside of leaves is essential. This treatment usually is repeated two or three times at weekly intervals.
	52. Psyllids are small soft-bodied insects related to aphids. Their hind legs are enlarged for jumping, giving rise to their common name, jumping plant lice.
	53. Adults are winged and very active. They move quickly when disturbed. Some species are serious pests, but many are simply nuisances because the honeydew they produce leads to unsightly crusts of black sooty mold.
	54. Boxwood psyllid is probably the most common boxwood pest in Virginia. Nymphs, covered with a white waxy material, feed on the terminal leaves as they unfold in the spring.
	55. The familiar result is stunted twigs and cupped leaves. A single insecticide spray will prevent this damage, but it must be applied before injury is visible when new growth has just started in the spring.