Charles H. Bronson, Commissioner    -    Richard Gaskalla, Director

pest alert graphic

Pink Hibiscus Mealybug, Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green)

Greg Hodges, hodgesg@doacs.state.fl.us, Taxonomic Entomologist, Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, Division of Plant Industry

Pink Hibiscus Mealybug (PHM) was first detected in Broward and Miami-Dade counties in June 2002. Since that time, PHM has been detected in many other Florida counties.

PHM: What is it? The pink hibiscus mealybug is a sap-sucking insect which is typically observed as clusters of small soft-bodied insects in cotton-like masses covering buds, stems, fruit and roots, and in extreme cases the entire plant. The insect has a life cycle of 24 to 30 days. The female mealybug produces more than ten (10) generations per year in colonies of 500 eggs or more.

PHM scale

Size reference

Male PHM
Male PHM
Female PHM
Female PHM

What it does: This mealybug attacks more than 125 plant species. It feeds on the plant sap and releases toxic substances causing injury and death. It is spread by wind, ants, stuck on clothing, on the hair of animals, or the movement of infested plants.

Heavy PHM infestation on hibiscus plant in South Florida
Heavy PHM infestation on hibiscus plant in South Florida.

Severe hedge damage caused by PHM
Severe hedge damage caused by PHM.

Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green)-on Florida triema
Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green)-on Florida triema.

Signs of attack are easy to recognize: One or more of the following symptoms may be seen:

  • Crinkled or twisted leaves and shoots
  • Bunched and unopened leaves
  • Distorted or bushy shoots
  • White fluffy mass on buds, stems, fruit and roots
  • Presence of honeydew, black sooty mold and ants
  • Unopened flowers which often shrivel and die
  • Small deformed fruits
 Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green)-'bunchy top' damage
Maconellicoccus hirsutus (Green)-'bunchy top' damage.

Fruit trees attacked:

Papaya Carambola Avocado Citrus
Sugar-apple Soursop Mango Breadfruit
Golden Apple Cherry Plum Guava
Pigeon Pea Passion Fruit Grape Banana

Vegetables attacked:

Tomato Cucumber
Pumpkin Peppers
Okra Dasheen
Lettuce Cabbage
Beans Squash

Ornamentals attacked:

Hibiscus Bougainvillea
Croton Oleander
Allamanda Ixora
Anthurium Ginger Lily
Heliconia Schefflera
Lantana Ficus
Seagrape Numerous Weeds

The U. S. Department of Agriculture in cooperation with the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services seek your assistance to prevent the spread of the pink hibiscus mealybug.

Chemical control: Chemical (pesticide) control of the PHM is difficult because the waxy covering protects the mealybugs and eggs from chemical exposure. Do not apply pesticides without first contacting your local county extension agent.

Biological control works! Fortunately, several natural enemies of the PHM exist which have been used successfully in biological control programs in other countries. Since July 2002, two species of small, wasp-like parasites (Anagyrus kamali and Gyranusoidea indica) have been released in areas of Broward and Miami-Dade counties where PHM has been detected. A third predator, ‘mealybug destroyer’ is already active in Florida and has been observed at several residential sites. Parasites will continue to be released in infected areas until the PHM population is controlled.

Wasp-like parasite, Anagyrus kamali
Wasp-like parasite, Anagyrus kamali.

 ‘Mealybug destroyer’
‘Mealybug destroyer’.

PHM biocontrol is not harmful: Neither the biocontrol insects nor Pink Hibiscus Mealybug will harm humans, animals or any other insect species.

You can help!

  1. Do NOT cut or trim the plants you think have PHM! PHM spreads most easily by the wind and the movement of infested plants.
  2. The use of pesticides on your plants should be avoided. Pesticides will kill the biocontrol insects used to attack PHM.
  3. Please provide our inspectors access to your property. All state and federal agriculture inspectors carry proper identification and drive vehicles with state/federal emblems.
  4. If plants are already cut, double-bag in plastic all plant cuttings (leaves, branches, flowers, etc.) and put them out with regular household garbage, NOT yard trash.
  5. Lawn/landscape companies in Broward and Miami-Dade counties are required to COVER ALL CUTTINGS while transporting; though businesses should also NOT cut or trim suspected plants. (South Florida Lawn/Landscaper brochure ~ pdf)

HELP US PREVENT THE SPREAD OF THIS TERRIBLE PEST THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES.

For further information call the PHM Helpline toll-free at (888) 397-1517.

Or contact your local office of:
The United States Department of Agriculture Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service
Miami: 305-526-2825
Orlando: 407-648-6856

PHM Homeowner brochure ~ pdf

More Pink Hibiscus Mealybug Information

Photography credits: Jeffrey Lotz, and Ru Nguyen, FDACS-DPI and USDA.

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Created: June 2002 | Updated: March 2006