Citrus blackfly

Definition

A dark-colored whitefly species, Aleurocanthus woglumi (Aleyrodidae), that infests citrus and related Rutaceae. Despite its common name, it is not a true blackfly (Simuliidae) but a whitefly; the 'blackfly' designation refers to its slate-blue to blackish body and wings, contrasting with the pale, waxy appearance typical of many whiteflies. Native to tropical Asia, it is a major invasive pest of citrus crops worldwide, causing direct damage through sap feeding and indirect harm via sooty mold growth on honeydew excretions.

Etymology

From 'citrus' (the host plant genus) + 'blackfly' (descriptive of its dark coloration, though taxonomically misleading)

Example

In Florida, classical biological control programs introduced the parasitic wasps Encarsia perplexa and Amitus hesperidum to suppress citrus blackfly populations below economic injury levels.

Synonyms

• Aleurocanthus woglumi

Related Terms

• whitefly
• Aleyrodidae
• Encarsia
• Amitus
• Sooty mold
• citrus pest
• Biological control
• Invasive species

Usage Notes

The common name is taxonomically misleading: citrus 'blackfly' is a whitefly (order Hemiptera, suborder Sternorrhyncha, family Aleyrodidae), not a blackfly (family Simuliidae, order Diptera). Specialists prefer the scientific name Aleurocanthus woglumi to avoid confusion. The dark coloration is diagnostic among whiteflies; most other economically important whitefly pests (e.g., Bemisia tabaci, Trialeurodes vaporariorum) are pale or white.