Grape mealybug

Insect

Grape mealybug

Pseudococcus maritimus (Ehrhorn)

Pseudococcidae: Hemiptera

Photos

Adult female.

Adult female. Rufus Isaacs

Adults are soft, oval, flat, distinctly segmented and covered with a waxy layer that extends into spines along the body margin and the posterior end. The pinkish body is visible through the powdery wax. Mealybugs are most commonly found in the crevices of the wood or on berries near the trunk. They may be tended by ants that feed on honeydew.

  • Crops Affected: grapes

    Damage

    Mealybug damage is primarily cosmetic and occurs when honeydew produced by the feeding insects drops onto nearby leaves and fruit. The honeydew acts as a substrate for sooty molds that can spoil fruit quality.

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