- 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.
