About Cabbage Whitefly
A small white-winged insect that infests brassica crops, weakening plants with sap feeding and honeydew production. Populations have increased dramatically in European cabbage and kale crops.
Did You Know?
Unlike most whiteflies, it thrives outdoors in cool temperate climates rather than in tropical greenhouses.
How to Identify Cabbage Whitefly
Cabbage Whitefly (Aleyrodes proletella) belongs to the order Hemiptera, family Aleyrodidae. Adults typically measure 1-1.5 mm.
Cabbage Whitefly Habitat
Cabbage Whitefly is found in farmland habitats, particularly across Europe, North Africa, Western Asia. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Cabbage Whitefly Diet and Feeding
Cabbage Whitefly feeds on plant sap by piercing stems and leaves with specialised mouthparts. Sap feeders extract nutrients directly from the plant's vascular system.
Where Is Cabbage Whitefly Found?
Cabbage Whitefly can be found in Europe, North Africa, Western Asia, where it inhabits farmland environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Cabbage Whitefly can be found
Is Cabbage Whitefly Dangerous?
Cabbage Whitefly is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Cabbage Whitefly Role in Nature
Cabbage Whitefly is part of the food web as a primary consumer, feeding on plant material. It serves as an important food source for birds, bats, amphibians, and other insectivores, connecting plant energy to higher trophic levels.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Cabbage Whitefly
What does Cabbage Whitefly look like?
The Cabbage Whitefly typically measures 1-1.5 mm.
Where is Cabbage Whitefly found?
The Cabbage Whitefly is found in Europe, North Africa, Western Asia and typically inhabits farmland environments.
What does Cabbage Whitefly eat?
The Cabbage Whitefly feeds on plant sap by piercing stems and leaves.
Is Cabbage Whitefly dangerous to humans?
The Cabbage Whitefly is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
Is Cabbage Whitefly endangered?
The Cabbage Whitefly is currently classified as Not Evaluated by conservation assessments. Habitat loss and environmental changes are among the primary threats to its population.
What is an interesting fact about Cabbage Whitefly?
Unlike most whiteflies, it thrives outdoors in cool temperate climates rather than in tropical greenhouses.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Cabbage Whitefly (Aleyrodes proletella). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/cabbage-whitefly
MLA:
"Cabbage Whitefly." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/cabbage-whitefly.