Freysuila dugesii
Aleman, 1887
giant whitefly
Freysuila dugesii is a whitefly in the Psyllidae, historically known as Aleurodicus dugesii or 'giant whitefly'. It is one of several whitefly species found in Florida and has been documented in comparative studies of whitefly . The species is distinguished by its relatively large size compared to other common whiteflies. It is not to be confused with the ficus whitefly (Singhiella simplex), which is a major pest of Ficus hedges.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Freysuila dugesii: //fɹeɪˈsjuːɪlə duːˈɡeɪsiːaɪ//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
F. dugesii can be distinguished from other Florida whiteflies by its notably larger and puparial size. In comparative images of Florida whiteflies, it appears substantially larger than such as Bemisia tabaci, Aleurotrachelus trachoides, Paraleyrodes bondari, and Aleurodicus rugioperculatus. The exhibits characteristic color, shape, and wax patterns typical of the , though specific diagnostic features require examination of taxonomic literature.
Distribution
Documented from Florida, USA. GBIF records indicate distribution in CALOO (California and/or related region codes).
Similar Taxa
- Singhiella simplexBoth are whiteflies associated with Ficus, but S. simplex is a destructive pest causing defoliation of Ficus hedges, while F. dugesii has not been documented as a significant pest of ornamental Ficus.
- Aleurodicus rugioperculatusBoth are large whiteflies in Florida, but F. dugesii (giant whitefly) is larger in both and puparial stages.
- Bemisia tabaciBoth occur in Florida, but F. dugesii is substantially larger in size.