African Citrus Psyllid vs Wax Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute African Citrus Psyllid Wax Moth
Scientific Name Trioza erytreae Galleria mellonella
Order Hemiptera Lepidoptera
Family Triozidae Pyralidae
Size 2-3 mm 30-40 mm wingspan
Habitat Orchards Gardens
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Sub-Saharan Africa, Madeira, Canary Islands, Iberian Peninsula (invasive) Worldwide
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

African Citrus Psyllid

A small brownish psyllid that causes distinctive pit galls on citrus leaves. It vectors the African form of citrus greening disease and is expanding its range into Europe.

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Did You Know?

Unlike the Asian citrus psyllid, this species prefers cooler climates and has been detected in Portugal and Spain, threatening Mediterranean citrus production.

Wax Moth

A moth whose larvae feed on beeswax in bee hives, causing major damage to comb. Also famous in science as a model organism for testing antibiotics and studying insect immunity.

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Did You Know?

Wax moth larvae can digest polyethylene plastic, offering potential for plastic waste degradation.