Planococcus citri

Definition

A polyphagous species of mealybug (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) native to Asia and now cosmopolitan in distribution; a major agricultural pest of citrus, ornamentals, and greenhouse crops. Adults and nymphs feed by piercing plant tissues and excreting honeydew, which promotes sooty mold growth and can transmit plant viruses. The species is distinguished from congeners by morphological features of the adult female's body segmentation, cerarii arrangement, and antennal structure.

Etymology

New Latin: Planococcus (genus name, from Greek planos 'wandering' + kokkos 'berry/seed', referring to the mealybug's mobile, rounded form) + citri (Latin genitive of citrus, the primary host association).

Example

Planococcus citri infestations in Florida citrus groves are monitored using pheromone traps to time biological control releases of the parasitoid wasp Anagyrus pseudococci.

Synonyms

• Citrus mealybug

Related Terms

• Pseudococcidae
• mealybug
• Hemiptera
• Sternorrhyncha
• Coccoidea
• scale insect
• honeydew
• Sooty mold
• Biological control
• Integrated Pest Management

Usage Notes

The name Planococcus citri (Risso, 1813) has priority; later combinations such as Planococcus citricus Ezzat & McConnell, 1956 are junior synonyms. In field and regulatory contexts, 'citrus mealybug' is the preferred common name, though the species attacks many non-citrus hosts including grape, avocado, and greenhouse ornamentals. Distinguished from the closely related vine mealybug Planococcus ficus by differences in the number of antennal segments and the structure of the circulus.