Pink Wax Scale Whitefly vs Cuban Dagger Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Pink Wax Scale Whitefly Cuban Dagger Moth
Scientific Name Aleurocanthus woglumi Acronicta oblinita
Order Hemiptera Lepidoptera
Family Aleyrodidae Noctuidae
Size 1-1.5 mm 35-45 mm wingspan
Habitat Orchards Wetlands
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Asia (native), Americas, Africa (invasive) Cuba, Caribbean, North America
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

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.

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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.

Cuban Dagger Moth

A moth found in Cuba and North America whose caterpillars bear dense tufts of hair. Adults are grayish with subtle dagger-like markings on the forewings.

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Did You Know?

The caterpillar's dense hairs can cause skin irritation if handled.