Citrus Mealybug vs Bed Bug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Citrus Mealybug Bed Bug
Scientific Name Planococcus citri Cimex lectularius
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Pseudococcidae Cimicidae
Size 2-4 mm 4-7 mm
Habitat Orchards Underground
Diet Fruit Feeders Blood Feeders
Regions Worldwide tropical and subtropical regions Worldwide
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.

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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.

Bed Bug

Obligate blood-feeding parasites of humans. Can survive up to a year without feeding. Have made a dramatic worldwide resurgence due to pesticide resistance and increased travel.

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Did You Know?

Bed bugs can survive without a blood meal for over a year and can withstand temperatures from near-freezing to 50°C, making them extraordinarily difficult to eliminate.