European Flower Beetle vs Citrus Mealybug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute European Flower Beetle Citrus Mealybug
Scientific Name Tropinota hirta Planococcus citri
Order Coleoptera Hemiptera
Family Scarabaeidae Pseudococcidae
Size 8-13 mm 2-4 mm
Habitat Orchards Orchards
Diet Fruit Feeders Fruit Feeders
Regions Southern Europe, Central Asia, North Africa Worldwide tropical and subtropical regions
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

European Flower Beetle

A hairy black beetle with scattered white spots that feeds deep inside flowers. It is an important pollinator of fruit trees in southern Europe.

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Did You Know?

It can be a significant fruit tree pollinator in areas where bee populations have declined.

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.