Whitefly
Guides
Aleurocanthus
Aleurocanthus is a genus of whiteflies in the family Aleyrodidae, established by Quaintance & Baker in 1914. Species in this genus are significant agricultural pests, particularly of citrus and other cultivated crops. The genus includes notable species such as the orange spiny whitefly (A. spiniferus) and the citrus blackfly (A. woglumi), both of which have been subjects of extensive biological control programs due to their economic impact. The genus is characterized by distinctive spiny or ornamented puparial cases and exhibits sexual dimorphism in some species.
Aleurocanthus woglumi
Citrus blackfly
Aleurocanthus woglumi is a whitefly species in the family Aleyrodidae, native to India and widely distributed across tropical and subtropical regions. It is a significant agricultural pest of citrus and over 300 other host plants, causing damage through sap feeding and honeydew excretion that promotes sooty mold growth. The species has been introduced to the Americas, Africa, and Pacific islands, where biological control using parasitic wasps has been implemented.
Aleurochiton forbesii
Maple whitefly
Aleurochiton forbesii is a whitefly species native to eastern North America that specializes on maple trees (Acer spp.) as its primary host. The species produces two broods annually, with distinctive seasonal differences in puparial appearance. Unlike its European congener Aleurochiton aceris, it rarely reaches population densities that cause significant host damage. The species has been documented as a host for the parasitoid wasp Amitus aleurodinis.
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.
Aleurodicus dugesii
giant whitefly, spiralling whitefly
Aleurodicus dugesii, commonly known as the giant whitefly, is a polyphagous pest of horticultural crops native to the Americas and invasive in Asia. It produces distinctive long wax filaments during the nymph stage that resemble a beard. Population densities can exceed 1,900 individuals per leaf on preferred hosts, causing severe defoliation and plant damage. The species serves as host for several introduced parasitoids used in biological control programs.
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.
Aleuroplatus coronata
Crown Whitefly
Aleuroplatus coronata, known as the crown whitefly, is a small sap-feeding insect in the family Aleyrodidae. Native to the southern United States and Mexico, it has established populations in California where it primarily infests oak and chestnut trees. The species derives its common name from the distinctive crown of waxy filaments surrounding the puparium. Heavy infestations can cause leaf drop, though the species generally causes limited harm to healthy host trees.
Aleuroplatus gelatinosus
Aleuroplatus gelatinosus is a species of whitefly (family Aleyrodidae) described by Cockerell in 1898. It belongs to a genus characterized by distinctive puparial morphology. The species has been documented in California and the northwestern region of Mexico. Like other whiteflies, it is presumed to feed on plant phloem, though specific host associations remain poorly documented.
Aleuropleurocelus
Aleuropleurocelus is a genus of whiteflies (Aleyrodidae) in the suborder Sternorrhyncha. The genus includes species that are phytophagous pests of woody plants. One undescribed species close to A. acaudatus has been documented as a significant pest of native Mexican avocados (Persea americana) in southern Coahuila, where it is subject to substantial natural parasitism by aphelinid wasps.
Aleurothrixus
woolly whiteflies
Aleurothrixus is a genus of whiteflies (family Aleyrodidae) containing approximately 20 described species. The most economically significant species is A. floccosus (woolly whitefly), a major pest of citrus and other crops across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Several species in the genus have been documented as agricultural pests, with extensive research focused on their biological control using parasitoid wasps.
Aleurothrixus floccosus
woolly whitefly
Aleurothrixus floccosus, commonly known as the woolly whitefly, is a sap-feeding insect in the family Aleyrodidae. Native to the Neotropics, it has spread globally and become a significant agricultural pest, particularly of citrus. The species is distinguished by the dense, woolly wax filaments produced by its nymphs, which cover the colonies and give the insect its common name. It reproduces year-round in suitable climates, with overlapping generations. Biological control using parasitoid wasps, especially Cales noacki, has been widely implemented as chemical control is often ineffective due to the protective waxy covering.
Aleurotrachelus
Aleurotrachelus is a genus of whiteflies (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) established by Quaintance & Baker in 1914. Several species are economically significant agricultural pests. Aleurotrachelus socialis is a major pest of cassava in South America, causing yield losses up to 79% through direct feeding and sooty mold promotion. Aleurotrachelus trachoides, known as the solanum or pepper whitefly, attacks Solanaceae crops including tomato, eggplant, chili, and sweet potato across tropical and subtropical regions. Aleurotrachelus atratus infests palms, particularly coconut, and has spread to islands in the southwestern Indian Ocean. Species in this genus are characterized by distinct puparial morphology used in taxonomic identification.
Amitus
Amitus is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Platygastridae, containing at least 16 described species. Species in this genus are primarily known as biological control agents of whiteflies (Aleyrodidae), with several species introduced internationally for pest management. Notable species include A. hesperidum, an effective parasitoid of citrus blackfly introduced to multiple countries; A. fuscipennis, used against greenhouse whitefly; and A. bennetti, a parasitoid of silverleaf whitefly.
Bemisia
Bemisia is a genus of whiteflies in the family Aleyrodidae, containing approximately 40 described species. The genus includes several economically significant agricultural pests, most notably Bemisia tabaci (sweetpotato whitefly or silverleaf whitefly), which is considered one of the 100 worst invasive species globally. Members of this genus are phloem-feeding insects that vector numerous plant viruses and cause direct damage through sap extraction and honeydew secretion. The genus exhibits complex taxonomic challenges, with B. tabaci alone comprising at least 42 cryptic species distinguishable only through molecular analysis.
Bemisia argentifolii
Silverleaf whitefly, Sweetpotato whitefly (B biotype)
Bemisia argentifolii, described by Bellows & Perring in 1994, is a whitefly species belonging to the Bemisia tabaci species complex. It is a significant agricultural pest known for causing silverleafing symptoms in squash, transmitting plant viruses, and developing resistance to multiple insecticides. The species has been documented on over 900 host plants including vegetables, ornamentals, and fiber crops. It is frequently associated with greenhouse and protected cultivation environments but also occurs in open field agriculture in tropical and subtropical regions.
Dialeurodes citri
Citrus Whitefly
Dialeurodes citri, the citrus whitefly, is a polyphagous pest native to Southeast Asia that has become established in citrus-growing regions worldwide. Adults and immature stages feed on phloem sap, secreting honeydew that promotes sooty mold growth. The species completes 2–3 generations annually in most regions, with development arrested in the fourth instar during cooler months. It is distinguished from the similar Parabemisia myricae by its larger size, preference for fully developed leaves, and slower life cycle.
Encarsia
Encarsia is a large genus of minute parasitic wasps in the family Aphelinidae, comprising approximately 400–473 described species with worldwide distribution. The genus exhibits complex morphological variation that complicates species-level identification. Many species are economically important biological control agents used in greenhouse and agricultural settings against whiteflies and scale insects.
Eretmocerinae
Eretmocerinae is a subfamily of minute parasitoid wasps within the family Aphelinidae. Members are known primarily as parasitoids of whiteflies (Aleyrodidae). The subfamily was established by Shafee and Khan in 1978 and contains the genus Eretmocerus, which is the most widely studied group within the subfamily due to its importance in biological control.
Leptoglossus
leaf-footed bugs
Leptoglossus is a genus of true bugs in the leaf-footed bug family Coreidae, tribe Anisoscelini. Species are characterized by leaflike dilations of the hind tibia, a diagnostic trait of the genus. The genus is distributed throughout the Americas, with some introduced populations in Europe and Asia. Several species are economically significant agricultural pests, notably L. occidentalis, which has become invasive in multiple continents.
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nchanmoss-bugarchaeorrhynchanfulgoromorphancicadomorphanmembracoidtreehopperleafhopperplanthopperpsyllidjumping-plant-lousewhiteflyaleyrodidscale-insectcoccoidmealybugaphidadelgidphylloxeransternorrhynchanthysanopteranthripspsocopteranbarklousebooklousephthirapteranlousesucking-lousechewing-lousemallophagananoplurandermapteranearwigblattodeancockroachtermiteisopteranmantodeanmantidphasmidstick-insectleaf-insectorthopterangrasshopperlocustkatydidcricketmole-cricketpygmy-mole-cricketcamel-cricketcave-cricketwetaensiferancaeliferangryllotalpidmyrmecophilidtettigoniidgryllidacrididpamphagidpneumoridlentulidtristirideumastacidproscopiidtridactylidtetrigidgrouse-locustpygmy-grasshopperplecopteranstoneflyembiopteranwebspinnerzorapteranangel-insectdictyopteranParaleyrodes
nesting whiteflies, Bondar's nesting whitefly (for P. bondari), fig whitefly (for P. minei)
Paraleyrodes is a genus of whiteflies in the subfamily Aleurodicinae, commonly known as nesting whiteflies due to the woolly wax nests constructed by females around egg masses. The genus includes economically significant invasive species such as P. bondari (Bondar's nesting whitefly) and P. minei, which are pests of coconut, citrus, fig, avocado, and ornamental plants. Species in this genus are characterized by distinctive waxy secretions, sessile nymphal stages, and polyphagous feeding habits on woody plants.
whiteflyinvasive-pestagricultural-pestornamental-pestAleurodicinaecoconut-pestcitrus-pestfig-pestavocado-pestwoolly-wax-nestspolyphagousphloem-feederhoneydew-producersooty-moldFlorida-pestCalifornia-pestIndia-pestBangladesh-pestCroatia-pestGreece-pestnatural-enemiesbiological-controlintegrated-pest-managementPealius 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.
Siphoninus phillyreae
ash whitefly
Siphoninus phillyreae, commonly known as the ash whitefly, is a polyphagous whitefly species native to western Eurasia, India, and North Africa. It has been introduced to North America, South America, and Oceania, where it is recognized as a significant agricultural pest. The species feeds on a broad range of host plants including ash, pomegranate, apple, pear, and other fruit trees. Encarsia inaron is a primary parasitoid used for its biological control.
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
greenhouse whitefly, whitefly
Trialeurodes is a large genus of whiteflies in the family Aleyrodidae, containing economically significant agricultural pests. The genus includes species such as the greenhouse whitefly (T. vaporariorum) and the bandedwinged whitefly (T. abutiloneus), which infest hundreds of host plant species including vegetables, cotton, and ornamental plants. Members are tiny phloem-feeding insects, typically measuring 1–3 mm, with distinctive waxy wings and piercing-sucking mouthparts. Several species are subjects of intensive biological control research using parasitoid wasps.
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.
Trialeurodes pergandei
Trialeurodes pergandei is a species of whitefly in the family Aleyrodidae. Whiteflies are tiny sap-sucking insects closely related to aphids. This species belongs to a genus that includes several economically significant agricultural pests, though specific information about T. pergandei's biology and impact appears limited in available sources.
Trialeurodes vaporariorum
Greenhouse Whitefly, Glasshouse Whitefly
Trialeurodes vaporariorum is a globally distributed pest of protected horticulture, frequently found in greenhouses and polytunnels. Adults are 1–2 mm with yellowish bodies and four wax-coated wings held parallel to the leaf surface. The species has a broad host range exceeding 300 plant species across multiple crop families. It causes economic damage through direct phloem feeding, honeydew excretion, and associated sooty mold growth. Population dynamics show seasonal peaks in late autumn, with densities reaching 5–7 adults plus nymphs per leaf in greenhouse broccoli systems.