Root Mealybug

Adult Females

The ground mealybug is white and 2.4 to 3.9 millimeters long. It resembles a springtail, but moves much more slowly and cannot jump. The ground mealybug has slender wax filaments that form a sort of netting over some individuals. The ground mealybug also secretes a small amount of wax, which can give the soil a somewhat bluish appearance when the mealybugs are abundant. Pritchard’s mealybug is snow white and 1.6 to 2.1 millimeters long and oval. It has small to non-existent eyes.

Host Plants

The ground mealybug feeds on the roots of anemone, chrysanthemum, gladiolus, iris, and numerous other flowers, shrubs, and ornamental grasses. Pritchard’s mealybug has become a serious pest of African violet, although it also infests Achillea, Arctostaphlos, Geum, and Polgala.

Damage

At times the ground mealbug becomes abundant enough to damage its host. Pritchard’s mealbug causes devitaliation, foliage deterioration, and even death of its host plant.

Life Cycle

Little has been published on the life history of root mealybugs. When infested African violets are irrigated, Pritchard’s mealybugs crawl out of the drainage holes and spread throughout the greenhouse. Eggs are laid in a loose ovisac in clusters of at least six eggs. All stages can be found on the roots and potting mix of African violets where they resemble slow moving, snow white collembola.

Pesticides

Pesticides applied as dips, drenches, or granules are more effective for root mealybug control than are foliar sprays. For specific chemical control recommendations, consult the Cooperative Extension Service.