PEST PROFILES: WHITEFLY

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Adult Whitefly Eggs Click on image to view larger.

Whitefly Description: The powdery white (less than 1/16 inch in length) greenhouse whitefly adults have wings that lie flat over their body. The yellowish, silverleaf whitefly adults are slightly smaller. Silverleaf whitefly adults also tend to hold their wings at a 45-degree angle close to their body. Banded winged whitefly adults can be distinguished by 2 grayish bands that form a zigzag pattern across each front wing. Damage: At high population levels, whiteflies can cause plant foliage to become yellowed and mottled. Whiteflies are sucking insects and produce honeydew. Immature stages can infest and injure a large number of plants, occasionally transmitting plant diseases. Life cycle: Whiteflies develop from egg to adult in approximately 1 month depending upon temperature. Adult whiteflies may live for 1 to 2 months. Females oviposit eggs on the underside of upper leaves. Eggs hatch into first instar nymphs that move a short distance and then settle down to feed. The 2nd, 3rd and 4th instars are stationary and do not move. During the late fourth instar, the red eyes of the developing adult may be visible.