Citrus Mealybug Lure

Latin Name:  Planococcus citri

Lure: Red Rubber Septum

Lure Active Ingredient: (1R,3R)-cis-2,2-Dimethyl-3-isopropenyl-cyclobutanemethanol acetate

Field Life: 4 weeks

Trap to Use: Red Paper or Plastic Delta Trap

Monitoring Strategy: In smaller fields, use one trap every 1 to 1 ½ acre. A minimum of two traps should also be used for fields of uneven topography. For larger fields (10 acres or greater) use 1-2 traps per five acres. Traps should be placed at approximately the same height as the crop. Traps should be checked weekly or more frequently, depending on pest population. Check with Cooperative Extension or Master Gardener for local information and recommendations.

Cultural and Physical Control: Hedging citrus groves to reduce contact between trees, and thorough cleaning of equipment and harvest materials were useful for reducing the spread of this insect in Arizona. Because mealybugs may be more abundant on some ornamental hosts, growth of these plants near citrus groves should be avoided. These plants should be monitored and treated for infestations to prevent mealybug spread.

Distribution: Native to Asia, now found in North America, South America, Europe, and Oceania.

Hosts: Citrus

Description: Adults: White to light brown, 3 mm (females) to 4.5 mm (males). Females are wingless, while males have wings.

Larvae: Oval, yellow with red eyes.

Eggs: Light yellow, oval and about 0.3 mm long.

Life Cycle: In warm climates, live long tailed mealybug young are believed to be produced without first producing eggs. Very young nymphs develop through several stages (instars) over several weeks before reaching sexual maturity. Winged males emerge from a tiny fluffy cocoon and fly to the female mealybug to mate.