Mealybug

Mealybug

Pseudococcidae

These small, soft bodied sucking insects are mostly pests of woody plants and ornamentals, but occasionally attack potatoes, tomatoes and other vegetables. They are most often a pest in greenhouses as predators usually keep them under conrtol outdoors. They can usually be identified by the fluffy white egg masses. Mealybugs are similar to aphids in their feeding habits and can be dealt with in the same ways. Spray with a jet of water or use insecticidal soap.

Image: Sally Tucker, Bugwood.org