About Whitefly
Whiteflies (family Aleyrodidae) are 1–2 mm soft-bodied insects with four white waxy wings that are major pests of greenhouse crops and vegetable gardens worldwide. They colonize the undersides of leaves and feed in large groups, piercing tissue to suck phloem sap and excreting honeydew that promotes sooty mold growth and interferes with photosynthesis. When disturbed the entire colony erupts in a white cloud of flying adults. Many species transmit destructive plant viruses including tomato yellow leaf curl virus. They develop resistance to insecticides rapidly, making biological controls such as the parasitic wasp Encarsia formosa a preferred management tool.
Geographic Distribution
This insect is found across Oceania, with notable populations in Fiji and surrounding regions.
Management
If you suspect a Whitefly problem, consult our recommended exterminator services or browse our full pest species database for related species and control guidance.