Apple Sucker vs Citrus Mealybug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Apple Sucker Citrus Mealybug
Scientific Name Cacopsylla mali Planococcus citri
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Psyllidae Pseudococcidae
Size 2-3 mm 2-4 mm
Habitat Heathland Orchards
Diet Sap Feeders Fruit Feeders
Regions Europe, Central Asia, East Asia Worldwide tropical and subtropical regions
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Apple Sucker

A small psyllid pest of apple trees with greenish-brown coloring that changes seasonally. Nymphs produce copious honeydew and waxy secretions on developing buds and flowers.

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Did You Know?

Heavy infestations can cause complete failure of fruit set, as nymphs feeding inside flower clusters kill the developing blossoms before they can be pollinated.

Citrus Mealybug

A soft-bodied, waxy-coated insect that clusters on citrus fruits, stems, and roots while feeding on sap. Heavy infestations weaken plants and contaminate fruit with honeydew and wax.

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Did You Know?

The ladybird beetle Cryptolaemus montrouzieri, known as the mealybug destroyer, was one of the first biocontrol agents ever deployed against this pest.