Dialeurodes citri

Definition

A species of whitefly in the family Aleyrodidae (Hemiptera), commonly known as the citrus whitefly. Adults are small, moth-like insects with powdery white wings; nymphs are sessile, scale-like sap-feeders on leaf undersides. The species is a significant pest of citrus and other Rutaceae, causing direct damage through phloem feeding and indirect harm via sooty mold growth on honeydew excretions. Native to Asia, it has established populations in subtropical and tropical regions worldwide.

Etymology

From Greek dialeurodes (meaning 'powdery' or 'dust-like', referring to the waxy wing coating) and Latin citri (of citrus, the primary host plant).

Example

Heavy infestations of Dialeurodes citri on grapefruit trees can reduce photosynthesis by coating leaves with sooty mold that grows on the copious honeydew produced by feeding nymphs.

Synonyms

• citrus whitefly

Related Terms

• Aleyrodidae
• whitefly
• Dialeurodes
• Hemiptera
• sap-feeding insect
• Sooty mold
• citrus pest
• phloem feeder

Usage Notes

Distinguish from the congeneric Dialeurodes citricola and Dialeurodes citrifolii, which are also citrus-associated whiteflies but differ in host range and distribution. The name Dialeurodes citri has been associated with multiple author citations in literature (Ashmead 1885; Riley & Howard 1893), reflecting historical taxonomic revisions. In integrated pest management contexts, the species is often monitored using yellow sticky traps and controlled with parasitoid wasps such as Encarsia species.