mealybug, (family Pseudococcidae), any of a group of small sap-sucking insects (order Homoptera) that areworldwide in distribution and attack citrus trees and ornamental plants, especially in interior plantscapes and greenhouses. Observed most frequently is the ovoid, sluggish mature female, about 1 cm (0.4 inch) long.

The namemealybug is descriptive of theinsect’s body, which is covered by a white sticky powder resembling cornmeal. The females and “crawlers,” or active young, cluster along the veins on the undersides of leaves. Males are active fliers and have only two wings. Common members of the Pseudococcidae are thecitrus mealybug (Planococcus citri) and thecitrophilus mealybug (Pseudococcus calceolariae). Biological control and insecticidal soaps, horticultural oils, and traditional insecticides have been effective against these pests.

Mealybugs are related toscales,whiteflies, andaphids.

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