Mealybug Treatment
Pseudococcus
Basic Details
Description
Taxonomy
Features
Translations
Basic Details
NameMealybug Treatment
DescriptionMealybugs are soft-bodied insects covered in white, waxy powder that suck plant sap. Identify various species and learn effective ways to remove them today.
TypeInsect
FamilyPseudococcidae
GenusPseudococcus
TribeXenococcini
Taxonomy & Features
PhylumArthropoda
SubphylumHexapoda
ClassInsecta
OrderHemiptera
SubfamilyPseudococcinae
Features
- Named 'mealy' because the white waxy coating on their bodies resembles flour or meal powder. This wax protects them from predators and pesticides
- Oval-shaped with soft bodies covered in white, powdery wax. Have 6 legs, though these are often hidden under the waxy coating. Some species have tail-like filaments
- Feed on plant sap using piercing-sucking mouthparts. Found mostly on the underside of leaves, stems, leaf joints, and occasionally on fruits. Some species attack roots
- Cause yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, and leaf drop. Produce sticky honeydew that attracts ants and promotes black sooty mold. Heavy infestations weaken plants severely
- Lifespan is 6 to 8 weeks from egg to adult. Females lay 300-600 eggs in cottony egg sacs. Reproduce continuously in warm conditions
- Size ranges from 0.33 mm for young nymphs to 4-5 mm for adult females. Males are smaller and rarely seen
- Thrive in warm, moist conditions and on over-fertilized plants. Prefer protected areas like leaf joints and stem crevices. Most active indoors year-round
- Attack succulents, cacti, and tropical plants. Common on rose, hibiscus, orchids, citrus, mango, grapes, pomegranates, cabbage, lettuce, cucumber, and houseplants
- Prevent by inspecting new plants before bringing them home, avoiding over-fertilization, and maintaining good air circulation. Isolate infected plants immediately
- Natural predators include ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps. Treat with rubbing alcohol on cotton swabs, insecticidal soap, neem oil, or strong water spray
Names in Different Languages
Latin / ScientificPseudococcus
English (Alternate)Citrus mealybug, Long-tailed mealybug, Pink mealybug, Hibiscus mealybug, Cotton mealybug, Coconut mealybug, Solenopsis mealybug
Hindiमिलीबग (milibag)
Tamilமாவுப்பூச்சி (māvu pūcci), கள்ளிப்பூச்சி (kaḷḷippūcci), சூரைப்பூச்சி (cū araippūcci)
Teluguపిండి నల్లి (Pindi Nalli)
Malayalamಮೀಲಿമൂട്ട (meelimootta)
Kannadaಮಿಲಿಬಗ್ (milibag), ಕೀಟ (keeta), ಹುಳು (hulu)
Sanskritपिष्टकृमि (piṣṭakṛmi)
Bengaliমিলিবাগ (milibag), দইয়ে পোকা (doye poka)
Frenchcochenille farineuse
Russianмучнистый червец (much-nis-tihy chehr-vyets)
Spanishcochinilla, cochinilla algodonosa, cochinilla harinosa
GermanSchmierlaus, Wolllaus
