Solenopsis Mealybug has caused problems in the Emerald and Burdekin regions and is covered seperately.

Mealybugs (family Pseudococcidae) are small, sucking insects related to aphids. They are occasionally seen on cotton in most areas and have, on rare occasions, reached minor outbreak levels or 'hotspots' in commercial crops in central Queensland e.g. hibiscus mealybug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green). (Other mealybugs which also may have been collected from cotton include striped mealybug, Ferrisia virgata (Cockerell).

They form colonies on stems and leaves developing into dense, waxy, white masses. Infestations are usually close to field borders. Control is seldom warranted.

Long Tailed Mealybug    Photo: Zara Ludgate DEEDI

Lantana Mealybug