Citrus Whitefly
Dialeurodes citri
This record describes Dialeurodes citri (species). Recorded family: Aleyrodidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
Mealy white insect with mealy white wings. Non-native, originally from India, probably introduced into Florida around 1858-1885 (Morrill and Back 1911 in: University of Florida )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Sternorrhyncha
- Superfamily
- Aleyrodoidea
- Family
- Aleyrodidae (Whiteflies)
- Subfamily
- Aleyrodinae
- Genus
- Dialeurodes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Worldwide. In US, outdoors, from Florida to Washington DC, Illinois, Texas, according to U. of Florida, but it has been reported in CA. In greenhouses, anywhere.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Its main host are citrus, but it also feeds on a variety of other families of plants.
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Dialeurodes citri. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Hemiptera (true bugs) includes over 80,000 described species across cicadas, aphids, leafhoppers, shield bugs, and bed bugs. Aphids alone cost global agriculture an estimated $2.5 billion annually in crop losses.
Ecological role of the group
Many Hemiptera are essential food sources for birds and predatory insects. Cicadas provide massive nutrient pulses during emergence events - a single Brood X emergence can involve trillions of individuals across 15 states.
Economic and practical significance of the group
The brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys) caused $37 million in apple crop losses in a single year in the U.S. Mid-Atlantic region. Bed bug infestations in the U.S. increased by 500% between 2001-2010, costing the hotel industry hundreds of millions annually.
Recorded sources for this group: USDA, EPA, University research. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Frequently Asked Questions About Citrus Whitefly
What is Citrus Whitefly?
Citrus Whitefly (Dialeurodes citri) is a species in the family Aleyrodidae, within the order Hemiptera.
How big is Citrus Whitefly?
wingspan less than 5 mm
How do you identify Citrus Whitefly?
Mealy white insect with mealy white wings.
Where is Citrus Whitefly found?
Range: Worldwide. In US, outdoors, from Florida to Washington DC, Illinois, Texas, according to U. of Florida, but it has been reported in CA. In greenhouses, anywhere.
What does Citrus Whitefly eat?
The diet of the Citrus Whitefly includes Its main host are citrus, but it also feeds on a variety of other families of plants..