Psyllid vs Long-tailed Mealybug

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Psyllid Long-tailed Mealybug
Scientific Name Diaphorina citri Pseudococcus longispinus
Order Hemiptera Hemiptera
Family Liviidae Pseudococcidae
Size 3-4 mm 2.5-4 mm (body)
Habitat Orchards Gardens
Diet Sap Feeders Sap Feeders
Regions Asia, Americas, Africa Worldwide
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Psyllid

A small sap-sucking insect that vectors citrus greening disease, the most devastating citrus disease worldwide. Infected trees produce bitter misshapen fruit and eventually die.

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Did You Know?

The disease it spreads has caused billions of dollars in losses and threatens global citrus production.

Long-tailed Mealybug

A waxy white mealybug distinguished by long tail filaments that can equal or exceed its body length. It infests ornamental plants, citrus, and grapes in greenhouses and warm regions.

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Did You Know?

Unlike most mealybugs, females give live birth instead of laying eggs.