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

Abstract

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.