About Citrus Whitefly
A small white-winged whitefly that is a common pest of citrus trees. Adults gather on the undersides of leaves, and heavy infestations promote sooty mold growth from honeydew.
Did You Know?
It was one of the first insects to be successfully controlled by classical biological control, using the parasitoid wasp Encarsia lahorensis imported from Asia.
How to Identify Citrus Whitefly
Citrus Whitefly (Dialeurodes citri) belongs to the order Hemiptera, family Aleyrodidae. Adults typically measure 1-2 mm.
Citrus Whitefly Habitat
Citrus Whitefly is found in orchards habitats, particularly across Asia (native), North America, Europe, Africa (introduced). This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Citrus Whitefly Diet and Feeding
Citrus Whitefly is a herbivore, feeding on plant material including leaves, stems, flowers, and other vegetation. Herbivorous insects play a significant role in ecosystems by influencing plant growth and serving as a food source for predators.
Where Is Citrus Whitefly Found?
Citrus Whitefly can be found in Asia (native), North America, Europe, Africa (introduced), where it inhabits orchards environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Citrus Whitefly can be found
Is Citrus Whitefly Dangerous?
Citrus 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.
Citrus Whitefly Role in Nature
Citrus 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 Citrus Whitefly
What does Citrus Whitefly look like?
The Citrus Whitefly typically measures 1-2 mm.
Where is Citrus Whitefly found?
The Citrus Whitefly is found in Asia (native), North America, Europe, Africa (introduced) and typically inhabits orchards environments.
What does Citrus Whitefly eat?
The Citrus Whitefly feeds on plant material including leaves, stems, and other vegetation.
Is Citrus Whitefly dangerous to humans?
The Citrus Whitefly is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Citrus Whitefly?
It was one of the first insects to be successfully controlled by classical biological control, using the parasitoid wasp Encarsia lahorensis imported from Asia.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Citrus Whitefly (Dialeurodes citri). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/citrus-whitefly
MLA:
"Citrus Whitefly." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/citrus-whitefly.