Aleyrodinae

Westwood, 1840

whiteflies

Aleyrodinae is the largest of (: ), containing the majority of described . Members are small, sap-sucking with powdery -coated in . The subfamily includes economically significant agricultural pests such as Bemisia tabaci and Aleurotrachelus trachoides, which cause damage through direct feeding and virus transmission. A field survey in Belize recorded nearly 200 whitefly species, with all but 40 belonging to Aleyrodinae.

Aleyrodinae by (c) Steven Bodzin, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Steven Bodzin. Used under a CC-BY license.

Siphoninus.phillyreae by James K. Lindsey. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Aleyrodinae: /ˌælɪˈroʊdɪnaɪ/

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Images

Habitat

Diverse environments ranging from tropical forests to agricultural systems. Documented from Atlantic Forest fragments in Brazil, Chiquibul Forest Reserve in Belize, and various agricultural and horticultural production systems worldwide.

Distribution

distribution with documented occurrences in Japan, Brazil (Rio de Janeiro state), Belize, and California, USA. within the have been intercepted at U.S. ports of entry on imported material.

Diet

Phloem-feeding on vascular plants; extract sap from tissues.

Host Associations

Myrica rubra - original description for Parabemisia myricae
Morus alba - original description for Parabemisia myricae
Citrus - agricultural for Parabemisia myricae
lemon - documented and survival varies with leaf age
Caesalpinia pluviosa - first record from Atlantic Forest fragments, Brazil
Tradescantia zebrina - first record from Atlantic Forest fragments, Brazil
Impatiens walleriana - first record from Atlantic Forest fragments, Brazil
Cupania sp. - first record from Atlantic Forest fragments, Brazil
Talisia esculenta - first record from Atlantic Forest fragments, Brazil
cotton - agricultural for Bemisia tabaci in Brazil since 1923
soybean - agricultural for Bemisia tabaci
tomato - agricultural for Bemisia tabaci
bean - agricultural for Bemisia tabaci
Solanum spp. - nightshade for Aleurotrachelus trachoides
Capsicum spp. - pepper for Aleurotrachelus trachoides
Magnolia - interception at U.S. ports of entry for four Aleyrodinae

Life Cycle

Development includes and multiple nymphal . Fourth-instar are and manually sampled from leaf blades. Nymphs produce waxy secretions. The so-called 'pupal' case () is a taxonomically important stage with diagnostic morphological characters including marginal and lingula .

Behavior

and survival are functions of leaf age, with distinct probing and oviposition behaviors observed between young and mature leaves. show seasonal fluctuation; dry winter periods promote increase while rainfall acts as a natural regulating agent influencing mortality. prefer high-temperature environments.

Ecological Role

Agricultural pests causing economic losses through direct feeding damage and as for virus transmission. Occupies both creeping plants and tree in forest environments. Subject to by .

Human Relevance

Major agricultural pests requiring management in production systems. Bemisia tabaci has caused economic losses in Brazil since 1923. are intercepted at ports of entry on imported material, indicating biosecurity significance. Management challenges exist in both field and protected agricultural systems.