Aleyrodoidea
whiteflies
Family Guides
1- Aleyrodidae(whiteflies)
is a superfamily of small hemipteran insects commonly known as whiteflies. The superfamily contains a single , Aleyrodidae, with more than 1,550 described . Whiteflies are phytophagous insects that feed on plant sap, typically from the undersides of leaves. Several species are significant agricultural pests, including the citrus blackfly (Aleurocanthus woglumi) and the Bemisia tabaci .
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Aleyrodoidea: /ˌælɪˌroʊˈdɔɪdiə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Habitat
Associated with vascular plants; frequently found on leaf undersides of vegetation. Agricultural studies document occurrence in citrus orchards, specifically on Tahiti lime (Citrus latifolia) in São Paulo State, Brazil.
Distribution
Global distribution with documented presence in São Paulo State, Brazil. The superfamily is widespread across tropical and temperate regions where plants occur.
Seasonality
show seasonal peaks in specific contexts: Aleurocanthus woglumi exhibited peak in April and October in studied Brazilian citrus orchards.
Diet
Phytophagous; feeds on plant sap extracted from vascular tissues of plants.
Host Associations
- Citrus latifolia - Tahiti lime; documented in São Paulo State orchards
- Citrus spp. - citrus plants generally
Life Cycle
Development includes , nymphal, and stages. Pupal cases of associated with whiteflies have been observed to require up to 30 days for adult under controlled laboratory conditions.
Ecological Role
Agricultural pests causing economic damage to crop production. Subject to by in the Encarsia.
Human Relevance
Significant agricultural pests affecting citrus production and other crops. Management requires integrated pest control strategies including agents.
Similar Taxa
- CoccoideaBoth are sap-feeding Sternorrhyncha often collected together on citrus; Coccoidea (scale insects) are distinguished by females and protective coverings, whereas whiteflies are mobile as adults and produce waxy secretions but not hard scales.
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- iNaturalist taxon
- NCBI Taxonomy
- Catalogue of Life
- Notes on the biology of Aleurodicus capiangae bondar (Homoptera : Aleyrodoidea).
- Diversidade de aleirodídeos, cochonilhas (Hemiptera: Aleyrodoidea, Coccoidea) e de parasitoides (Hymenoptera) da mosca-negra-dos-citros (Aleurocanthus woglumi Ashby) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodoidea) e efeitos das etapas de beneficiamento pós-colheita em lima ácida ‘Tahiti’ (Citrus latifolia Tanaka) no Estado de São Paulo
- Refined Global Analysis ofBemisia tabaci(Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Aleyrodoidea: Aleyrodidae) Mitochondrial Cytochrome Oxidase 1 to Identify Species Level Genetic Boundaries