Grape Mealybug
Pseudococcus maritimus
This record describes Pseudococcus maritimus (species). Recorded family: Pseudococcidae. Recorded order: Hemiptera.
Identification and Appearance
reported as a pest of grape, pear and apricot in CA
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera (True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies)
- Suborder
- Sternorrhyncha
- Superfamily
- Coccoidea
- Family
- Pseudococcidae (Mealybugs)
- Subfamily
- Pseudococcinae
- Genus
- Pseudococcus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Widespread in the New World: Canada (transcontinental) to Argentina & Chile; adventive elsewhere
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Polyphagous
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pseudococcus maritimus (Ehrhorn 1900)
About True Bugs, Cicadas, Hoppers, Aphids and Allies: the wider group
Order-level background for Hemiptera, the group containing Pseudococcus maritimus. 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.
Photos of Grape Mealybug (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Tim Loh; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Grape Mealybug
What is Grape Mealybug?
Grape Mealybug (Pseudococcus maritimus) is a species in the family Pseudococcidae, within the order Hemiptera.
Where is Grape Mealybug found?
Range: Widespread in the New World: Canada (transcontinental) to Argentina & Chile; adventive elsewhere
What does Grape Mealybug eat?
The diet of the Grape Mealybug includes Polyphagous.