SUCKING INSECTS

INSECTS AND MITES THAT SUCK THE JUICES FROM FOLIAGE, FRUITS, STEMS AND ROOTS, CAUSING DISCOLORATION, STUNTING DEFORMED FRUIT AND OTHER DAMAGE

SWEETPOTATO WHITEFLY, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius)
and GREENHOUSE WHITEFLY, Trialeuroides vaporariorum (Westwood)
Description PictureDamage
  • adults - about 1/16 inch in length
  • four wings along dorsal part of the body
  • covered with white waxy powder
  • nymphs - light green, oval, flattened and about the size of a pinhead
  • attached to leaf surfaces until they mature
  • last instar more elevated and slightly segmented

    • Photo credit: W. L. Sterling, Department of Entomology, Texas A&M University
  • feed by sucking plant juices
  • heavy feeding causes mottled leaves
  • may cause yellowing or death
  • excreted honeydew may conver lower leaves
  • black sooty mold may grow on honeydew



    • Return to Extension Entomology

    Return to Department Home Page

    Last modified: March 31, 1998