Aleurocanthus woglumi

Definition

A species of whitefly in the family Aleyrodidae, commonly known as the citrus blackfly despite its slate-blue adult coloration. Native to Asia, it has become an invasive pest of citrus and other crops in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. The species is notable for its darkly pigmented adults, waxy spiraling egg patterns, and the sooty mold that develops on honeydew excreted by dense colonies.

Etymology

Example

In integrated pest management programs for citrus, releases of the parasitoid wasps Encarsia perplexa and Amitus hesperidum are used to suppress Aleurocanthus woglumi populations, reducing both direct feeding damage and indirect losses from sooty mold on fruit and foliage.

Synonyms

• Citrus blackfly

Related Terms

• Aleyrodidae
• whitefly
• Encarsia
• Amitus hesperidum
• Sooty mold
• Hemiptera
• Integrated Pest Management
• Invasive species

Usage Notes

The common name 'citrus blackfly' is misleading, as the species is a whitefly (family Aleyrodidae), not a true blackfly (family Simuliidae). The dark coloration of adults distinguishes it from the typically pale whiteflies. In taxonomic literature, the authority is given as Ashby, 1915. A variety, A. woglumi var. formosana, was described from Taiwan but is not universally recognized.