Citrus Mealybug vs Bald-faced Hornet
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Citrus Mealybug | Bald-faced Hornet |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Planococcus citri | Dolichovespula maculata |
| Order | Hemiptera | Hymenoptera |
| Family | Pseudococcidae | Vespidae |
| Size | 2-4 mm | 15-20 mm |
| Habitat | Orchards | Woodlands |
| Diet | Fruit Feeders | Fruit Feeders |
| Regions | Worldwide tropical and subtropical regions | 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.
Bald-faced Hornet
A large black and white social wasp that builds impressive football-sized paper nests in trees and on buildings. Despite its name, it is not a true hornet but a yellowjacket relative.
Did You Know?
Bald-faced hornets can squirt venom from their stinger into the eyes of nest intruders, causing temporary blindness and intense pain.