Citrus Mealybug vs Lemon-tree Borer Parasite

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Citrus Mealybug Lemon-tree Borer Parasite
Scientific Name Planococcus citri Diachasmimorpha longicaudata
Order Hemiptera Hymenoptera
Family Pseudococcidae Braconidae
Size 2-4 mm 4-7 mm
Habitat Orchards Orchards
Diet Fruit Feeders Fruit Feeders
Regions Worldwide tropical and subtropical regions Southeast Asia, Pacific Islands, Central America, Africa
Conservation Not Evaluated Not Evaluated

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.

Lemon-tree Borer Parasite

A parasitoid of fruit fly larvae that has been released worldwide for biological control of tephritid pests. Females locate host larvae concealed inside ripening fruit using their long ovipositors.

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Did You Know?

She can pierce through the rind of a mango or guava to deposit an egg directly onto a fruit fly maggot inside.