Miami Blue vs Pink Wax Scale Whitefly
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Miami Blue | Pink Wax Scale Whitefly |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Cyclargus thomasi bethunebakeri | Aleurocanthus woglumi |
| Order | Lepidoptera | Hemiptera |
| Family | Lycaenidae | Aleyrodidae |
| Size | 2-2.5 cm wingspan | 1-1.5 mm |
| Habitat | Beaches & Coastal | Orchards |
| Diet | Herbivores | Herbivores |
| Regions | United States | Asia (native), Americas, Africa (invasive) |
| Conservation | Critically Endangered | Least Concern |
Miami Blue
A small blue butterfly once common throughout coastal South Florida. It is now restricted to a few islands in the Florida Keys.
Did You Know?
Hurricane Andrew in 1992 devastated much of its remaining habitat, accelerating its decline.
Pink Wax Scale Whitefly
Known as the citrus blackfly, this whitefly has dark sooty-colored pupae that distinguish it from other whitefly species. Heavy infestations coat leaves in thick black sooty mold.
Did You Know?
It was successfully controlled in many countries using the parasitoid wasp Amitus hesperidum, one of the classic triumphs of biological pest control.