Citrus Whitefly vs Neotropical Green Stink Bug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Citrus Whitefly Neotropical Green Stink Bug
Scientific Name Dialeurodes citri Nezara viridula
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Aleyrodidae Pentatomidae
Size 1-2 mm 12-16 mm
Habitat Orchards Farmland
Diet Herbivores Seed Feeders
Regions Asia (native), North America, Europe, Africa (introduced) Pantropical, abundant in South America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Citrus Whitefly

A small white-winged whitefly that is a common pest of citrus trees. Adults gather on the undersides of leaves, and heavy infestations promote sooty mold growth from honeydew.

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Did You Know?

It was one of the first insects to be successfully controlled by classical biological control, using the parasitoid wasp Encarsia lahorensis imported from Asia.

Neotropical Green Stink Bug

A bright green shield bug with a wide, flat body and triangular scutellum. It is one of the most destructive agricultural pests across tropical regions worldwide.

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Did You Know?

Males attract mates by vibrating their abdomens on plant surfaces, sending species-specific songs through the stem.