Mealybugs

Definition

Insect pests belonging to the family Pseudococcidae (order Hemiptera), characterized by their soft, waxy bodies and white, powdery secretions.

Etymology

From the resemblance of their wax secretions to meal.

Example

Mealybugs infest crops like cotton, citrus, and potatoes, causing significant agricultural damage.

Related Terms

• Scale insects
• Coccidae
• Plant pests

Usage Notes

Mealybugs are sap-sucking insects that often form large colonies on plants.