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Pseudococcidae (mealybugs)

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Related Topics: Pseudococcidae (mealybugs), Citrus Insects and Mites

Pasture Mealybug

The pasture mealybug (Heliococcus summervillei Brookes) is a grass-specialist insect pest (Hemiptera: Coccomorpha: Pseudococcidae) recently found in Florida that can be problematic for pastures, hayfields, sod production, turfgrass, and sugarcane. As of June 19th, 2026, surveys have confirmed the mealybug in fifteen Florida counties including: Brevard, Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hardee, Hendry, Highlands, Indian River, Lee, Martin, Okeechobee, Osceola, Palm Beach, Polk, and St. Lucie. The most damage has been observed on limpograss and sugarcane, but several other grass species are being affected, including bahiagrass and bermudagrass. 

This is a new invasive insect pest that has recently been detected in Florida and is causing concern for pasture, hay, turfgrass, and sugarcane producers. For the most up-to-date information, contact your local Extension office.

Publications

Showing 11 of 11 Publications

thumbnail for publication: Striped Mealybug Ferrisia virgata Cockerell (Insecta: Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)

Striped Mealybug Ferrisia virgata Cockerell (Insecta: Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)

Ariane McCorquodale and Amanda Hodges

thumbnail for publication: Hypogeococcus pungens Granara de Willink (Insecta: Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), a Mealybug

Hypogeococcus pungens Granara de Willink (Insecta: Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), a Mealybug

Amanda Hodges and Greg Hodges

thumbnail for publication: Coconut Mealybug Nipaecoccus nipae (Maskell) (Insecta: Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)

Coconut Mealybug Nipaecoccus nipae (Maskell) (Insecta: Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)

Adriana Espinosa, Amanda Hodges, Greg Hodges, and Catharine Mannion

thumbnail for publication: Tuttle Mealybug Brevennia rehi (Lindinger) (Insecta: Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)

Tuttle Mealybug Brevennia rehi (Lindinger) (Insecta: Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)

Ian Stocks

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.

thumbnail for publication: Papaya Mealybug, Paracoccus marginatus Williams and Granara de Willink (Insecta: Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)

Papaya Mealybug, Paracoccus marginatus Williams and Granara de Willink (Insecta: Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)

Alison Walker, Marjorie Hoy and Dale Meyerdirk

A UF/IFAS numbered Organism ID. in support of UF/IFAS Extension program: Integrated Pest Management

thumbnail for publication: Pineapple Mealybug, Dysmicoccus brevipes (Cockerell) (Insecta: Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)

Pineapple Mealybug, Dysmicoccus brevipes (Cockerell) (Insecta: Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)

Ashley A. Egelie and Jennifer L. Gillett-Kaufman

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.

thumbnail for publication: Longtailed Mealybug Pseudococcus longispinus (Targioni Tozzetti) (Insecta: Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)

Longtailed Mealybug Pseudococcus longispinus (Targioni Tozzetti) (Insecta: Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)

Morgan A. Byron and Jennifer L. Gillett-Kaufman

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.

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: A Mealybug Phenacoccus multicerarii Granara de Willink (Insecta: Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)

A Mealybug Phenacoccus multicerarii Granara de Willink (Insecta: Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)

Ian Stocks

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.

thumbnail for publication: Mealybug Vryburgia trionymoides (DeLotto) (Insecta: Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)

Mealybug Vryburgia trionymoides (DeLotto) (Insecta: Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)

Ian Stocks

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.

thumbnail for publication: Citrus Mealybug Planococcus citri (Risso) (Insecta: Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)

Citrus Mealybug Planococcus citri (Risso) (Insecta: Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)

Harsimran K. Gill, Gaurav Goyal, and Jennifer L. Gillett-Kaufman

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.