Citrus Mealybug vs Apple Sawfly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Citrus Mealybug | Apple Sawfly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Planococcus citri | Hoplocampa testudinea |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Pseudococcidae | Tenthredinidae |
| Size | 2-4 mm | 6-7 mm |
| Habitat | Orchards | Orchards |
| Diet | Fruit Feeders | Fruit Feeders |
| Regions | Worldwide tropical and subtropical regions | Europe, introduced to North America |
| Conservation | Not Evaluated | Least Concern |
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.
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.
Apple Sawfly
A small brown-and-yellow sawfly that is a significant pest of apple orchards. Larvae bore into developing apples, leaving characteristic ribbon-like scars on the fruit surface.
Did You Know?
A single larva can destroy three to four developing fruits by boring through them, leaving a trail of frass-filled tunnels.