Aleyrodidae

The Aleyrodidae are a family of insects in the order Hemiptera, more commonly known as whiteflies. This family includes several important agricultural pests, which are notorious for their population explosions and the wide range of plants they can infest.

Description

Members of the Aleyrodidae family are small, winged insects that are typically 1 to 2 mm in length. They are characterized by their powdery white wings and short antennae. The body is usually yellowish and covered by a waxy substance that gives them their common name, whiteflies.

Life Cycle

Whiteflies undergo a hemimetabolous life cycle, which includes four stages: egg, nymph, pupa, and adult. The eggs are usually laid on the undersides of leaves. Nymphs are flat and oval-shaped, and do not move much. They feed by inserting their mouthparts into plant tissues and sucking sap. The transition from nymph to adult happens in the pupal stage, which remains attached to the leaf surface.

Ecology

Aleyrodidae are found in a variety of environments, from tropical regions to temperate zones. They are especially prevalent in greenhouses and indoor plant settings where conditions are warm and humid. These insects are sap-feeders and can cause significant damage to plants by extracting nutrients, which leads to weakened and yellowed leaves, reduced growth, and even plant death.

Economic Importance

Several species within the Aleyrodidae family are considered major pests in both agricultural and ornamental plants. They not only damage plants through direct feeding but also excrete a sticky substance known as honeydew, which promotes the growth of sooty molds. Furthermore, whiteflies are vectors for several plant viruses, particularly those in the genus Begomovirus, which can lead to severe crop losses.

Management

Managing whitefly infestations involves a combination of cultural, biological, and chemical methods. Culturally, removing infested leaves and using reflective mulches can reduce whitefly populations. Biologically, introducing natural predators like Encarsia formosa and Eretmocerus eremicus can help control their numbers. Chemically, insecticides are used, but resistance to various chemicals has been reported, making integrated pest management strategies crucial.

Genera

The family Aleyrodidae includes numerous genera, some of which are:

• Bemisia
• Trialeurodes
• Aleurodicus

See Also

• Hemiptera
• Pest
• Integrated pest management