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Avas B. Hamon

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Avas B. Hamon

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Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry

Publications

thumbnail for publication: Pink Hibiscus Mealybug, Maconellicoccus hirsutu (Green)

Pink Hibiscus Mealybug, Maconellicoccus hirsutu (Green)

M. A. Hoy, A. Hamon, and R. Nguyen

The Featured Creatures collection provides in-depth profiles of insects, nematodes, arachnids and other organisms relevant to Florida. These profiles are intended for the use of interested laypersons with some knowledge of biology as well as academic audiences. This document provides an in-depth profile of the pink hibiscus mealybug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus, a serious pest affecting various plants in tropical and subtropical regions. It details the pest's introduction to Florida, its potential impact on crops and ornamental plants, and the increased pesticide use required for management. The article also discusses the mealybug's distribution, life cycle, and damage caused to plants. Additionally, it explores biological control methods, including the use of natural enemies like ladybugs and parasitoids to suppress mealybug populations.

thumbnail for publication: Citrus Blackfly, Aleurocanthus woglumi Ashby (Insecta: Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)

Citrus Blackfly, Aleurocanthus woglumi Ashby (Insecta: Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)

Ru Nguyen, Avas B. Hamon, Thomas R. Fasulo, andThomas R. Fasulo
Other Contacts: Elena M. Rhodes

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID. Published by Integrated Pest Management. This document provides an in-depth profile of the citrus blackfly, Aleurocanthus woglumi Ashby, a serious citrus pest of Asian origin. It covers the insect's distribution, life cycle, identification, economic importance, and management strategies. The citrus blackfly infests over 300 host plants, primarily citrus, causing damage by sucking nutrients from foliage and excreting honeydew, which leads to sooty mold development. Effective biological control methods, including parasitic wasps, are highlighted as key management strategies in Florida. First published July 1998.