Vine Mealybug vs Caenis Glider

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Vine Mealybug Caenis Glider
Scientific Name Planococcus ficus Cymothoe caenis
Order Hemiptera Lepidoptera
Family Pseudococcidae Nymphalidae
Size 2-4 mm 50-65 mm wingspan
Habitat Orchards Forests
Diet Fruit Feeders Fruit Feeders
Regions Mediterranean, California, South Africa, South America West Africa (Ghana, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone, Guinea)
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Vine Mealybug

A pink-bodied mealybug covered in white wax that has become a major pest of vineyards worldwide. It feeds on vine roots, trunks, and fruit clusters, transmitting grapevine leafroll virus.

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Did You Know?

It can hide under bark and in root crevices, making it nearly impossible to reach with contact insecticides.

Caenis Glider

A widespread West African forest butterfly with orange-tawny males and brownish females with white markings. It is commonly found along forest paths and in clearings. The flight is a characteristic slow glide.

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Did You Know?

This is one of the most commonly encountered Cymothoe species and is often the first glider butterfly new visitors to West African forests observe.