Aleurocanthus woglumi

Ashby, 1915

Citrus blackfly

is a whitefly in the Aleyrodidae, native to India and widely distributed across tropical and subtropical regions. It is a significant agricultural pest of citrus and over 300 other plants, causing damage through sap feeding and honeydew that promotes growth. The species has been introduced to the Americas, Africa, and Pacific islands, where using parasitic has been implemented.

Bulletin of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (1920) (20474537106) by Internet Archive Book Images. Used under a No restrictions license.

The black fly of citrus and other subtropical plants (1920) (14780344181) by Dietz, Harry F. (Harry Frederic), 1890-;

Zetek, James, 1886-. Used under a No restrictions license.

Aleurocanthus woglumi 5194005 by Division of Plant Industry Archive, Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Used under a Public domain license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Aleurocanthus woglumi: //əˌljʊəroʊˈkænθəs ˈwoʊɡluːmi//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

distinguished by slate-blue coloration from waxy powder, unlike the white or pale appearance of many other whiteflies. Nymphal stages show progressive darkening from brown to black with increasingly prominent spines. The spiral pattern on leaf undersides is characteristic. Adults are attracted to plant material reflecting light in the 500–600 nm range, which may aid in detection.

Images

Habitat

Tropical and subtropical environments; primarily associated with citrus orchards but occurs on diverse plants in agricultural and urban settings. Irrigation increases suitable range substantially.

Distribution

Native to India; established across Asia (Bangladesh, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam), Africa (Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda), the Americas (Mexico, Central America, Caribbean, Florida, Texas, Hawaii, South America), and Pacific islands. Present in the Azores. Climate modeling indicates potential for further spread into the Mediterranean Basin and Australia.

Diet

Phloem sap from foliage of plants; feeds on over 300 documented host with strong preference for citrus (lemon, orange, pomelo).

Host Associations

Citrus spp. - primary Most heavily infested; includes lemon, orange, and pomelo
Mangifera indica - Documented in Hawaii and field studies
Persea americana - Documented in Hawaii
Artocarpus heterophyllus - New identified in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Pouteria caimito - New identified in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Struthanthus flexicaulis - New identified in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Tabebuia rosea - Pink tecoma; documented in Hawaii
Eugenia uniflora - Surinam cherry; documented in Hawaii
Fortunella spp. - Kumquat; as attractive as Citrus for oviposition

Life Cycle

Females lay in spiral patterns on leaf undersides. Eggs hatch in 7–10 days. Nymphs pass through three instars lasting 3–9 weeks total, with progressive darkening and spine development. follows third instar. Complete lifecycle ranges from 45 to 130 days depending on temperature.

Behavior

are attracted to plant material reflecting light in the 500–600 nm range, which appears to be the primary long-range attractant for location. Oviposition occurs preferentially on citrus but expands to alternative hosts as increases. Females lay in characteristic spiral batches.

Ecological Role

Agricultural pest causing economic damage through direct feeding and indirect effects of . Serves as for (Encarsia perplexa, Amitus hesperidum, Encarsia pergandiella) and including Coccinellidae beetles and lacewings (Ceraeochrysa cubana).

Human Relevance

Significant economic pest of citrus production globally. Damage includes reduced fruit yield, tree vigor decline, and impaired from . Subject of programs; parasitic Encarsia perplexa and Amitus hesperidum introduced to Hawaii in 1999 and established in Florida. Oil emulsions and cultural practices (irrigation, ) recommended over to preserve natural enemies.

Similar Taxa

Aleurocanthus spiniferusSame ; both are citrus pests with spiny nymphs, but A. woglumi has slate-blue versus different coloration in A. spiniferus
Dialeurodes citriAnother citrus whitefly; A. woglumi distinguished by dark coloration and spiral pattern versus pale and different oviposition

More Details

Biological Control

Amitus hesperidum is well synchronized with its , with female ready to oviposit when suitable blackfly larval stages are present. Encarsia perplexa has lower reproductive rate but superior host-searching ability. Both established successfully in Hawaii after 1999 introduction.

Climate Change Risk

Modeling indicates potential range expansion into Mediterranean Basin and Australia; irrigation increases potential distribution by 53% in Asia. Europe near doubling of at-risk area by 2050 under warming scenarios.