Description
Cabbage tree mealybugs are small flat-bodied insects that live at the base of cabbage tree leaves. The adult female is oval shaped and about 4 millimetres long and 2 millimetres wide. Males are smaller in size, about 2 millimetres long and have wings. The body of a mealybug is orange-pink, and covered with a powdery white wax, which the bug produces. Mealybugs also cover the areas they live in with the white wax, which assists with visual detection.
Common native plant hosts
| Scientific names | Māori/common names |
|---|---|
| Cordyline spp. | Tī kōuka, cabbage tree, tī |
Scientific names
Cordyline spp.
Māori/common names
Tī kōuka, cabbage tree, tī
Symptoms and damage
Cabbage tree mealybugs are sucking insects that excrete honeydew. High levels of infestation can cause severe damage and even death of young plants.
Prevention and control tips
- Biological control organisms.
- Chemical insecticides.
- Insect growth regulators.
- Plant soap.
- Spray oil.
Natural predators
- Lacewings.
- Ladybirds.
- Parasitoid wasps.