Pacific Pests, Pathogens & Weeds - Mini Fact Sheet Edition

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Spiralling whitefly (025)

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Photo 1. Spirals of eggs and wax, made by the spiralling whitefly, Aleurodicus dispersus.

Photo 2. Spirals of eggs and wax on the fruit of papaya made by the spiralling whitefly, Aleurodicus dispersus.

Photo 3. The oval nymphs of Aleurodicus dispersus can just be seen to the right of the band of whitefly adults, and also at the bottom of the spiral.

Photo 4. Adults, Aleurodicus dispersus.

Photo 5. Heavy infestation of spiraling whitefly, Aleurodicus dispersus, on a papaya fruit.

Photo 6. Heavy infection of spiralling whitefly, Aleurodicus dispersus, on guava. The silken threads of wax oridyuced by the female are clearly seen.

Photo 7. Predator on spiraling whitefly, Aleurodicus dispersus, on guava. Possibly a Cryptolaemus species.

Summary

• Worldwide distribution. In tropics and sub-tropics. Wide host range: bananas and many fruit trees, ornamentals and vegetables. Active at dawn and dusk. An important pest.
• Direct damage results from adult whiteflies sucking sap from leaves and fruits causing early death; indirect damage results from sooty moulds growing on leaves covered by honeydew deposits, and blocking sunlight.
• Eggs laid in spirals among wax by moth-like adults.
• Natural enemies: parasitoid wasps (main control)
• Cultural control: prune branches with heavy infestations.
• Chemical control: use soap, white or horticultural oils; or synthetic pyrethroids, but insecticides may increase the problem by destroying natural enemies.

Common Name

Spiralling whitefly

Scientific Name

Aleurodicus dispersus

This mini fact sheet is a part of the app Pacific Pests, Pathogens & Weeds

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