What is the scientific name of the citrus mealybug?

What is the scientific name of the citrus mealybug?

• A. Pseudococcus calceolariae
• B. Planococcus citri
• C. Pseudococcus comstocki
• D. Erythoneura elegantula

Answer: (B)

The scientific name of the citrus mealybug is indeed Planococcus citri. This species is a significant pest of various plants, particularly citrus, causing damage by feeding on plant sap and potentially transmitting plant viruses. Planococcus citri is characterized by its waxy, white appearance and can be found on the leaves, stems, and fruits of plants. This identification is essential for proper pest management and control practices in agricultural settings. The other names listed represent different species of mealybugs or insects. For instance, Pseudococcus calceolariae is known as the greenhouse mealybug, while Pseudococcus comstocki is recognized as the Comstock mealybug. Erythoneura elegantula, on the other hand, is a species of sharpshooter, which is unrelated to the mealybug family. Understanding these distinctions is crucial in agricultural practices to ensure effective pest management strategies are employed.

The scientific name of the citrus mealybug is indeed Planococcus citri. This species is a significant pest of various plants, particularly citrus, causing damage by feeding on plant sap and potentially transmitting plant viruses. Planococcus citri is characterized by its waxy, white appearance and can be found on the leaves, stems, and fruits of plants. This identification is essential for proper pest management and control practices in agricultural settings.

The other names listed represent different species of mealybugs or insects. For instance, Pseudococcus calceolariae is known as the greenhouse mealybug, while Pseudococcus comstocki is recognized as the Comstock mealybug. Erythoneura elegantula, on the other hand, is a species of sharpshooter, which is unrelated to the mealybug family. Understanding these distinctions is crucial in agricultural practices to ensure effective pest management strategies are employed.