Life cycle of mealybugs

Koppert Foundation
3 years ago
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Mealybugs appear frequently in ornamental and vegetable crops. Populations can reach a high density and so are a serious threat for growers. They cause damage by sucking plant sap. The overall effect is reduced photosynthesis and therefore decreasing yield. Where flowers and fruits are concerned, these often drop off. Mealy bugs also produce honeydew on which moulds grow. These sooty moulds result in considerable damage in crops. Mealy bugs get their name from the fact that the body of the females are covered with a white, powdery wax layer. The males possess wings, but lack mouthparts and are therefore incapable of feeding. They only live to fertilize the females. Eggs are laid in a sticky, foamy mass of wax threads. Also known as egg sacs. Once the batch of eggs is laid, the female dies. After emerging, the nymphs are yellow-brown, not yet covered with wax. They are actively mobile and known as crawlers. Second instar nymphs are darker and less active. The males develop further inside a cottony cocoon. A winged male eventually emerges from the pupa. Female nymphs, on the other hand, settle on the leaf and begin to secrete wax. They moult into further stages without a complete metamorphosis. Mealybugs can be controlled by natural enemies.