Pink Wax Scale Whitefly vs Lappet Moth

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Pink Wax Scale Whitefly Lappet Moth
Scientific Name Aleurocanthus woglumi Gastropacha quercifolia
Order Hemiptera Lepidoptera
Family Aleyrodidae Lasiocampidae
Size 1-1.5 mm 45-85 mm wingspan
Habitat Orchards Woodlands
Diet Herbivores Herbivores
Regions Asia (native), Americas, Africa (invasive) Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

Lappet Moth

A moth that rests with wings layered to perfectly resemble a cluster of dead leaves.

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Did You Know?

Its scalloped wing edges enhance the dead leaf disguise.