America-native
Guides
Ferrisia
mealybugs
Ferrisia is a genus of mealybugs (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) established by David T. Fullaway in 1923 with F. virgata as the type species. The genus underwent taxonomic revision in 2012, resulting in recognition of 18 species including eight newly described species, and the transfer of F. floridana to the new genus Pseudoferrisia. Species of Ferrisia are characterized by distinctive morphological features including enlarged dorsal tubular ducts with associated discoidal pores, and ventral oral-collar tubular ducts of varying sizes. The genus is native to the Americas but includes species now found worldwide, with F. virgata being a particularly widespread and economically significant pest.