Pink hibiscus mealybugs are oval shaped insects that are pale pink to reddish-brown in color and the insects’ body is covered with white, cotton-like wax. Mealybugs release toxins into plants which lead to curled leaves, stunted growth, and a “bunchy top” appearance (image: idtools.org).
Mealybugs are insects from the family Pseudococcidae which contain more than 2000 species. Mealybugs are soft-bodied, unarmored, scale insects commonly found in moist, warm habitats. “Hibiscus mealybug” can refer to a few different mealybug species.The pink hibiscus mealybug is a serious economic threat to agriculture, forestry, and the nursery industry since the pest attacks many plants, trees, a…
