Aleyrodidae
Guides
Aleurodicus
whiteflies, spiraling whiteflies, rugose spiraling whitefly (for A. rugioperculatus), giant whitefly (for A. dugesii)
Aleurodicus is a genus of whiteflies (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) comprising at least 30 described species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Several species are significant agricultural and ornamental pests, including the invasive rugose spiraling whitefly (A. rugioperculatus) and the spiraling whitefly (A. dispersus). The genus is characterized by distinctive wax-producing capabilities and puparial morphology used extensively in taxonomic identification.
Aleuroparadoxus
whiteflies
Aleuroparadoxus is a genus of whiteflies (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) established by Quaintance & Baker in 1914. The genus contains at least one documented species, A. arctostaphyli Russell, 1947, which was first recorded in Mexico in 2017. Species in this genus are associated with host plants in the genus Arctostaphylos (Ericaceae).
Aleuroplatus
Aleuroplatus is a genus of whiteflies (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) established by Quaintance & Baker in 1914. Whiteflies in this genus are small, sap-feeding insects with powdery wax-covered wings. The genus has accumulated over 1,700 observations on iNaturalist, indicating moderate documentation of its species in the field.
Delphastus catalinae
Whitefly Predatory Lady Beetle
Delphastus catalinae is a minute predatory lady beetle (Coccinellidae) specialized in feeding on whiteflies (Aleyrodidae). Adults measure 1.40–1.50 mm with a medium reddish-brown body and slightly darker median pronotum. The species name derives from Latin 'catalinae' meaning fierce, referring to its forbidding head and mouthpart appearance. It is widely used as a biological control agent against pest whiteflies including Bemisia argentifolii, Bemisia tabaci, and Aleurothrixus trachoides in agricultural systems. Mass rearing protocols have been developed using whitefly-infested poinsettia plants, with production costs estimated at $0.22 per adult beetle.
Pealius kelloggi
Hollyleaf Cherry Whitefly
Pealius kelloggi is a species of whitefly in the family Aleyrodidae. It has been recorded from California and is associated with hollyleaf cherry (Prunus ilicifolia). The species was described by Bemis in 1904 and is one of approximately 44 observations documented on iNaturalist. Like other whiteflies, it is a sap-feeding insect that develops through distinct immature stages before reaching the winged adult form.
Singhiella
ficus whitefly
Singhiella is a genus of whiteflies (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) containing species that are significant pests of Ficus plants. The most economically important species, Singhiella simplex (the ficus whitefly), has become invasive across multiple continents, causing severe defoliation of ornamental Ficus hedges and trees. The genus is distinguished by puparial characteristics used in whitefly taxonomy, including color, shape, and wax placement.
Singhiella simplex
Ficus whitefly
Singhiella simplex is an invasive whitefly species in the family Aleyrodidae, native to Asia and now established across multiple continents. It is a specialist pest of Ficus species, causing severe defoliation of ornamental trees and hedges. The species has spread to North America, Europe, the Caribbean, South America, and the Middle East. Its rapid expansion and economic impact on urban landscaping have prompted extensive research into its biology and biological control options.
Siphoninus
ash whiteflies
Siphoninus is a genus of whiteflies in the family Aleyrodidae. The genus includes at least three recognized species: Siphoninus phillyreae (the ash whitefly), S. immaculatus, and S. gruveli. Siphoninus phillyreae is the most extensively studied species, known as a polyphagous pest with a broad global distribution spanning Europe, Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Oceania. The genus has been subject to recent taxonomic revision, including the revalidation of S. finitimus as a distinct species.
Tetraleurodes
whitefly
Tetraleurodes is a genus of whiteflies (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) containing multiple species associated with woody plants in the Americas. Species such as T. perseae and T. ursorum are recognized as agricultural pests of avocado and citrus respectively. The genus is characterized by distinctive wing patterns in adults and waxy secretions produced by nymphs. Multiple Eretmocerus species (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) have been documented as parasitoids of Tetraleurodes in Mexico.
Tetraleurodes mori
Mulberry Whitefly
Tetraleurodes mori is a species of whitefly in the family Aleyrodidae, commonly known as the Mulberry Whitefly. The species feeds on mulberry (Morus spp.) and related plants. It is a member of the Sternorrhyncha suborder, which includes sap-feeding insects with piercing-sucking mouthparts. Like other whiteflies, it produces waxy secretions and honeydew, and has been observed in association with its host plants in Florida and other regions where mulberry grows.
Trialeurodes abutiloneus
bandedwinged whitefly, banded-wing whitefly
Trialeurodes abutiloneus is a small whitefly species in the family Aleyrodidae, first described by Haldeman in 1850. Adults measure approximately 1 mm in length and are distinguished by transverse zig-zag bands on the forewings. The species is a phloem-feeding plant pest and a known vector for Abutilon yellows virus and Sweet potato chlorotic stunt virus. It is primarily associated with malvaceous crops including cotton and hibiscus, as well as sweet potato and soybean.
Trialeurodes merlini
Trialeurodes merlini is a species of whitefly in the family Aleyrodidae, first described by Bemis in 1904. Like other members of the genus Trialeurodes, it is a minute sap-sucking insect with piercing-sucking mouthparts. The species has been recorded from several locations in North America based on GBIF distribution data. Whiteflies in this genus are typically associated with herbaceous and woody host plants, though specific host associations for T. merlini remain poorly documented.